Bell Absent as OTA's Begin

[BradshawsHairdresser]

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/05/leveon-bell-not-present-start-otas/

Hope he's not back on the bong.

[Northern_Blitz]

http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/05/leveon-bell-not-present-start-otas/

Hope he's not back on the bong.

I think it's pretty normal for players that get tagged to skip optional activities. It's basically the only way they can communicate their displeasure.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I think it's pretty normal for players that get tagged to skip optional activities. It's basically the only way they can communicate their displeasure.

TBH with the workload this guy has, and knowing what he can do anyway, it's not a big deal for him to stay away.

[8467thekraken]

TBH with the workload this guy has, and knowing what he can do anyway, it's not a big deal for him to stay away.

Yeah. Save the tread.

[Starlifter]

displeasure at being franchised and paid millions for the year? I hope that's not the case.......

[birtikidis]

Isn't he still rehabbing the groin?

[Steel Maniac]

Rehabbing.............

[RuthlessBurgher]

Roethlisberger laments Le’Veon Bell’s absence from OTAs
Posted by Mike Florio on May 24, 2017, 12:25 AM EDT

Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell currently doesn’t have a contract. Which means that he can’t, absent a rarely-used (by veteran players) letter of protection, participate in offseason workouts.

That hasn’t stopped quarterback Ben Roethlisberger from publicly lamenting Bell’s absence.

“I’m not worried about the chemistry, but I wish he’d be here just because he’s one of the pieces to our puzzle,” Roethlisberger told reporters, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I know he can’t participate because I don’t think he’s 100 percent healthy, but it would be nice to see him here just in terms of the chemistry and learning and being a part of this process. But obviously, it’s up to him.”

It’s not entirely up to him. The Steelers haven’t signed Bell to a long-term contract. So Bell currently has no contract, since he hasn’t signed his franchise tender, which will pay him $12.1 million in 2017.

As Bell tries to get a long-term deal, his only leverage comes from the withholding of services. Which is what he’s doing.

Which is why he may not fully appreciate getting pressure from a guy who has gotten paid, on multiple occasions, to give up that leverage and show up for offseason workouts.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/05/24/roethlisberger-laments-leveon-bells-absence-from-otas/

[Steel Maniac]

If Bell is indeed away because of a contract, I say let him function under the franchise tag; See what he does this year and if he's hurt at the end of the season again for the 5th straight year, then I as a fan would be ready to seriously consider turning the running game over to James Connor.

[feltdizz]

Roethlisberger laments Le’Veon Bell’s absence from OTAs
Posted by Mike Florio on May 24, 2017, 12:25 AM EDT

Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell currently doesn’t have a contract. Which means that he can’t, absent a rarely-used (by veteran players) letter of protection, participate in offseason workouts.

That hasn’t stopped quarterback Ben Roethlisberger from publicly lamenting Bell’s absence.

“I’m not worried about the chemistry, but I wish he’d be here just because he’s one of the pieces to our puzzle,” Roethlisberger told reporters, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I know he can’t participate because I don’t think he’s 100 percent healthy, but it would be nice to see him here just in terms of the chemistry and learning and being a part of this process. But obviously, it’s up to him.”

It’s not entirely up to him. The Steelers haven’t signed Bell to a long-term contract. So Bell currently has no contract, since he hasn’t signed his franchise tender, which will pay him $12.1 million in 2017.

As Bell tries to get a long-term deal, his only leverage comes from the withholding of services. Which is what he’s doing.

Which is why he may not fully appreciate getting pressure from a guy who has gotten paid, on multiple occasions, to give up that leverage and show up for offseason workouts.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/05/24/roethlisberger-laments-leveon-bells-absence-from-otas/

Smh... Ben really is Brett Favre. 2.0

[Mr.wizard]

I side with the Player on these matters, if the team wants a guy with the team when activities start then they should resolve any contract issues.

[Steel Maniac]

I'm tepid on Bell. Guy can't stay healthy yet he wants over the moon money.

[feltdizz]

I'm tepid on Bell. Guy can't stay healthy yet he wants over the moon money.

It's hard to stay healthy when you are touching the ball 30 to 40 times a game.

Why wouldn't he ask for as much as possible when his career is being shortened because we give him the ball 10 times in the 4th quarter while up by 20.

[Oviedo]

I'm tepid on Bell. Guy can't stay healthy yet he wants over the moon money.

Do you expect he will be publicly asking for average money. What he wants and what he gets are just negotiating space at this point. Bigger than the number he gets will be the amount of guaranteed money. That is what players really care about especially a RB whose career is typically shorter than other players.

[squidkid]

f him.
injury prone dope head
let him play out the year under the tag and see if he stays clean and healthy. if not, watch connor take his place next year.
thats exactly what should happen