Le’Veon Bell accuses Steelers of racial bias in contracts

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell has accused the Steelers organization of racial bias regarding contract negotiations. Bell’s comments followed the trade of cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys.

Porter, a 2023 second-round pick, was traded to Dallas in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick after failing to reach a contract extension with Pittsburgh. Bell expressed his frustration on social media, stating, “I wish pittsburgh paid their black superstars they drafted just like they pay their white ones they draft.”

Bell also referenced the previous trade of wide receiver George Pickens to the Cowboys and contrasted these situations with the high-value contract of edge rusher T.J. Watt, noting that while Watt is “worth every penny,” the franchise’s approach to other players needs to change.