Former Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell Arrested in Ohio on Michigan Child Support Warrant

Former Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl running back Le’Veon Bell was arrested in Ohio over the weekend on a warrant stemming from alleged unpaid child support in Michigan.

According to the Jackson Township Police Department, Bell was taken into custody on July 19 at approximately 3:20 p.m. at Belden Village Mall in Stark County, Ohio. The arrest came shortly after Bell had appeared at the mall for a fan meet-and-greet event.

Authorities say Bell was arrested on a warrant out of Kent County, Michigan, where he is facing three felony counts related to failure to pay child support. Court records indicate that Bell allegedly owed $112,522.89 in unpaid child support as of February 3.

Bell is currently being held in the Stark County Jail on what officials describe as a courtesy hold while Michigan authorities seek his extradition.

His attorney, Thomas Shaffer, argues the case is based on outdated financial information that no longer reflects Bell’s current income.

According to Shaffer, Bell’s child support obligation is still being calculated using the salary he earned during his NFL career—specifically when he played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020—even though Bell has not appeared in an NFL game since brief stints with the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.

Shaffer also stated that Bell previously withdrew money from his NFL pension to make a $50,000 child support payment roughly six months ago. However, he contends the court has failed to adjust Bell’s support obligations to reflect his current financial situation.

“He pays a number that doesn’t reflect his true income,” Shaffer said. “The issue will never end. The court needs to reflect his true income.”

Because of the amount allegedly owed, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office has become involved in the case and requested assistance from Ohio authorities to facilitate Bell’s extradition.

Body-camera footage released by Jackson Township police reportedly shows Bell telling officers he was unaware that a warrant had been issued for his arrest in Michigan.

Bell, a second-round pick of the Steelers in the 2013 NFL Draft, became one of the league’s premier dual-threat running backs during his time in Pittsburgh. He earned multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections before a contract dispute led to his departure from the franchise. Following his NFL career, Bell transitioned into professional boxing and has remained active through various business ventures and public appearances.

The legal process will now determine whether Bell is extradited to Michigan, where he is expected to address the felony child support charges. Bell has not publicly commented on the allegations beyond the statements made by his attorney.