Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell has been arrested in connection with allegations of unpaid child support, according to TMZ. Bell was taken into custody shortly after attending an autograph signing event in Canton, Ohio. The case is being handled by the Michigan Attorney General's office, as the child involved resides in Michigan.
Attorney Says Bell Struggles with Payments Based on Past NFL Salary
Bell's attorney, Thomas Shaffer, stated that the former NFL star has found it difficult to keep up with child support payments. These payments were calculated based on the salary Bell earned during his playing career, even though he has not received an NFL salary for several years. Shaffer emphasized that Bell earlier this year used his entire $50,000 NFL pension to make child support payments. According to the report, Bell allegedly owes more than $50,000 in child support.
Legal Challenges and Default Judgment
Shaffer acknowledged that the court would be aware of a separate legal issue: Bell was ordered last year to pay a $25 million default judgment after failing to appear in court in connection with a 2024 sexual abuse case. The attorney said Bell plans to explain his financial situation to the judge in the child support case. Bell, who lives in California, was arrested in Ohio and is expected to face proceedings related to the alleged child support neglect.
