Former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell is pushing back against allegations that he sexually abused a minor relative, following a $25 million civil suit judgment against him. A jury in Ohio issued the ruling after a trial that Bell did not attend.
Details of the Civil Suit
- A jury determined Le’Veon Bell owes $20 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages to the plaintiff.
- Bell’s brother, La’Vonte Bell, was also found liable and ordered to pay $11 million in damages.
- The lawsuit, filed in March 2024, alleged the abuse began when the plaintiff was six or seven years old and continued for years.
Bell’s Reaction to the Charges
Leveon Bell has refuted all of the accusations through his lawyer Thomas W. Shaffer argued that he was never served with the case.
Shaffer stated, “The court granted the default judgment based on violations of his Fifth Amendment due process rights for failing to be served.”
Bell’s legal team is working to overturn the judgment, arguing that the case has never undergone proper litigation.
Did Bell Receive the Legal Filings?
- The victim’s attorney, John Camillus, insists that all legal requirements under Ohio law were met when serving Bell and his brother.
- Documents sent to an address linked to La’Vonte Bell were accepted, but those sent to Le’Veon Bell were not returned to the clerk’s office.
- Bell claims he never lived at the listed address.
No Criminal Charges Filed
Although the plaintiff filed a police report in October 2022, neither Le’Veon Bell nor his brother were criminally charged.
Bell’s NFL Career
Bell played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
During his eight years in the NFL, he ran for 42 touchdowns and 6,554 yards.
Le’Veon Bell’s appeal of the ruling will be keenly monitored as the case progresses.
Source: nypost
