Le’Veon Bell Is Accusing The Steelers Front Office Of Racism
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Le’Veon Bell has called out his former team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, following their decision to trade Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys.
The former Steelers running back addressed the move Thursday on X, pointing to what he views as a larger issue involving the franchise’s treatment of players.
Le’Veon Bell Connects Porter Trade To Previous Steelers Decisions
Bell specifically referenced Pittsburgh’s handling of Black players it drafted while discussing Porter’s departure.
“I wish pittsburgh paid their black superstars they drafted just like they pay their white ones they draft .. hate to see porter get traded,” the former running back wrote.
He then brought up another former Steelers wide receiver before making clear that he still supports one of Pittsburgh’s biggest contracts.
“I thought same thing with pickens? TJ Watt is worth every penny tho, so let’s not get it confused .. but something needs to change.”
Porter’s trade came Wednesday after the Steelers and their 2023 second-round pick failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension.
The Cowboys acquired the cornerback for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick, multiple reports indicated.
Porter had missed Pittsburgh’s first three games while dealing with the contract situation and a reported back issue. He had entered the final year of his rookie contract. The Steelers selected Porter 32nd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft after he developed into a prominent member of their secondary.
Bell’s comments also referenced George Pickens, whom Pittsburgh traded to Dallas in May 2025. The Steelers received a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick while sending Pickens and a 2027 sixth-rounder to the Cowboys.
Bell Has Personal History With Steelers Contract Disputes
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Bell’s comments carry additional context because he experienced a major contract dispute with Pittsburgh himself. The Steelers placed the franchise tag on Bell in 2018 after the sides failed to reach a long-term agreement. Bell ultimately did not report for the season, leaving $14.5 million on the table.
His situation eventually led to his departure from Pittsburgh and a subsequent contract with the New York Jets. Meanwhile, Bell specifically excluded T.J. Watt from his criticism.
Pittsburgh drafted Watt in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft and signed him to a four-year extension worth $112 million in 2021.
The Steelers later signed Watt to another four-year contract in 2025, continuing their long-term commitment to the star linebacker. Bell’s post does not establish why Pittsburgh made its decisions involving Porter or Pickens, but it clearly shows how the former running back interpreted the moves.
