Steelers Running Backs Bell, Blount Likely To Be Charged With Marijuana Possession
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Steelers running backs Le'Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount will likely face charges of marijuana possession following a traffic stop Wednesday afternoon in Ross Township.
According to Ross Township Police, it all started around 1:30 p.m. along busy McKnight Road when a motorcycle officer who was stopped at a red light smelled marijuana coming from a black Camaro.
Officer Sean Stafiej pulled the car over in the parking lot of Pool City.
Police say Bell was driving, Blount was in the front passenger seat and an unidentified female was in the back seat of the vehicle.
Investigators say Officer Stafiej also found a Ziploc-style bag containing about 20 grams of marijuana on the console.
Ross Township Police say the three "admitted to collectively possessing the bag of marijuana."
Police say Bell, Blount and the woman were cooperative with the officer.
Bell was taken to UPMC Passavant Hospital to have blood drawn under suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana.
All three have been released from police custody. They are likely to face possession charges.
Bell could also face charges of DUI of marijuana.
"No one has been charged yet. The case is still being investigated," said Ross Township Police Detective Brian Kohlhepp. "However, we do anticipate charges of possession against all three individuals. And in addition to that, we took Mr. Bell to UPMC Passavant for blood draw for suspicion of DUI for driving under the influence of marijuana."
Police say they will be notified of charges by mail.
The traffic stop was just one hour before the Steelers' charter plane was scheduled to take off for Philadelphia.
KDKA's Kym Gable: "Have you been in contact with the Steelers?"
Det. Kohlhepp: "We have not been in contact with Steelers."
NEW PHOTOS: Le'Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount Arrested
The Steelers are set to play the Philadelphia Eagles in a preseason game in Philadelphia on Thursday night.
According to NFL Insider for CBS Sports Jason LaCanfora, a source says Blount is traveling with the team and was not arrested.
Blount is traveling with the Steelers according to a source. Was not arrested and was told he could call someone and leave the scene
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) August 21, 2014
Once the case is resolved, the pair could face disciplinary action under the NFL's Substance Abuse Policy.
"Their status as sports figures doesn't play into the criminal investigation at all. They're being treated just the same as anyone else in that situation," said Det. Kohlhepp.
The Steelers have released this statement:
"We are aware of the reports and still gathering information. We have no further comment at this time."
Defense Attorney Owen Semon joined Colin Dunlap on 93-7 The Fan Wednesday night to discuss these latest developments.
Semon said it is not strange that they are going to probably charge them by summons in this situation.
(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Semon also said 99 percent of marijuana arrests get settled in front of a magistrate and Blount may likely just pay a fine.
(Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
UPDATE: On Thursday, Edmund Nelson told "The Fan Morning Show" that Bell did travel with the team to Philadelphia.
Stay with KDKA, NewsRadio 1020 KDKA and 93-7 The Fan for the latest on this developing story.
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