NFL

Tim Benz: You have to laugh at Le’Veon Bell’s rant against former teammate

Tim Benz
By Tim Benz
3 Min Read July 26, 2020 | 5 years Ago
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I’m not sure how good of an arm former Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell has, but I bet he could spin a decent halfback-option pass or two for the New York Jets if needed.

After Saturday, though, I am sure he can throw stones from a glass house.

Over the weekend, the Jets traded star safety Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks (along with a 2022 fourth-round draft pick) for a 2021 first-round draft pick, a 2022 first-rounder, a 2021 third-rounder and safety Bradley McDougald.

Adams essentially forced his way out of town after months of complaining about his contract, coach Adam Gase and Jets management.

In a radio interview just two weeks ago, Bell told “Hot 97” that Adams told him he was optimistic the situation could be repaired. As recently as Friday, it was reported by the New York Post that Adams was expected at training camp.

But by Saturday, Adams apparently had pushed the envelope far enough in his complaints that the Jets decided to trade him.

That’s when Bell roasted Adams on Twitter saying, “Ppl do all the hootin & hollering to get you Brough in, just to leave… lol like people weird yooo, the internet got these dudes doin whatever for attention, even when they tell you (expletive) they don’t believe themselves.”

Adams simply replied, “Noted. See u Week 14!”

That’s when the Jets visit the Seahawks on Dec. 13.

Bell wasn’t done.

I appreciate Bell’s commitment to the Jets and frustration over how Adam’s handled the situation. But, um, anyone else notice the irony here?

Remember, Bell is the same guy who strung along the Steelers during his franchise tag holdout and made it sound like he would report at some time for the 2018 regular season. At least his teammates were reportedly under that impression back in September of that year.

Only after his agent, Adisa Bakari, realized (in November 2018) how the potential application of another franchise tag would be priced favorably for his client in 2019 did Bell make it clear he was prepared to stay away the entire season.

So while Bell’s admonishment of how Adams handled his situation may be accurate and deserved, let’s understand the source isn’t exactly free from critcism.

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About the Writers

Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via X. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.

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