Steelers: What's going on in Pittsburgh?

... another drug suspension? 

The Steelers have always had a good reputation off the field in many ways. This started with founder Art Rooney Sr. and was continued with Dan Rooney.

The 2000s have created a number of problems for the team off the field. That includes their franchise quarterback being accused of rape on two occasions, though never convicted, but one led to a four-game suspension, and some drug suspensions.

Steelers drug suspensions

The problem today has been with drug problems. The Steelers used to be very careful with draft picks who have a history of drug use or abuse.

However, they also realize that many of their players smoke "weed," marijuana in polite society. That makes pre-draft interviews and investigations that much more difficult to assess.

Martavis Bryant's situation

Martivas Bryant has been hit for multiple violations and is now facing a possible season-long suspension, technically called indefinite. He is a superbly-talented athlete, but the Steelers were aware of his drug problems prior to taking him out of Clemson. That is why he lasted for four rounds in 2014, where they took him as the 118th pick.

Entering what should be his third season, Bryant has caught 76 passes for 1,314 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is averaging 17.3 yards per catch.

Bryant was suspended for four games for failing the drug tests in 2015.

Bryant reportedly sought treatment at an alcohol-drug rehab in March, according to USA Today.

Le'Veon Bell's situation

The more difficult situation is that of Le'Veon Bell, who is reportedly going to be hit with a four-game suspension that will take him out of the first four games. That suspension is reportedly in the appeal process according to ESPN, who reported this last Friday.

The last of these was a missed test by Bell, which is considered to be the same as failing it.

That leads to the question of how these players are not being herded or given guidance by Coach Mike Tomlin and the rest of his staff.

Steelers receiving preference?

A story last week by Bleacher Report noted that an executive in the AFC-East was perturbed about preferential treatment that the Steelers receive from the league, particularly in the drug area. " 'If what's happening in Pittsburgh was happening in New England, there would be multiple league investigations'," said one NFC East team executive, who asked not to be identified. 'But because the Steelers are so liked by the media and league, they get a pass'." [That sounds suspiciously like an exec from a team that is going to lose its QB for four games for something other than drugs.]

The Bleacher Report story was written by Mike Freeman, who is their NFL Lead Writer. He wrote that he did not think that the Steelers received a pass with drugs, but they do get an "image pass" because of their outstanding public relations and other media work over the years. "The Steelers are one of only a handful of organizations that has never lied to me or even exaggerated anything," Freeman wrote. "The team is the gold standard in sports."

Still, Freeman notes that what has happened with Bryant and Bell, who led the league in rushing in 2014 but played just six games last year because of a knee injury, is a concern.

"Drug suspensions happen, but it's incredibly rare for two stars from the same team to face suspensions within the same year (and yes, Bryant is a star)," Freeman wrote. "This is like the Patriots facing the simultaneous loss of Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman because of drug issues … Something has gone wrong inside that [Steeler] locker room."

Bell's background

Bell was a second round pick in 2013, and he is entering his fourth season. As mentioned above, he played just six games last year because of the knee injury, and he missed three games in 2013 for a drug arrest.

He is reportedly still undergoing rehab for the knee surgery that included a torn MCL.

Bell's numbers

Bell's numbers are very impressive. He has carried the ball 647 times for 2,777 yards and 19 touchdowns.

What makes Bell even more impressive is that he has caught 152 passes for 1,389 yards and three TDs. He averages 9.1 yards per reception.

Bell made the Pro Bowl in 2014 when he was also first-team All-Pro. He was also the AFC Co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2014.

Bell lost four games to suspension last season because of an arrest in 2014 in Pittsburgh with then teammate LeGarrette Blount.

Conclusion

The Steelers need to get their act in order. They are not hurt as much at RB with the emergence of DeAngelo Williams, a free-agent pickup last year. While 33-years-old, he had 200 carries for 907 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 50 passes for 307 yards.

Still, losing those two producers in Bell and Bryant will be challenging for the team.

Later

I have a post that includes comments from the PG's Paul Zeise regarding the Bell situation that I will post later in the week.

This one is imperative since training camp is around the corner.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2653465-leveon-bell-suspension-begs-question-whats-happening-in-pittsburgh