Former NFL star Le’Veon Bell is vehemently refuting shocking allegations that he sexually abused a woman for years during her adolescence. The woman, identified as Jada Bell, claims to be his cousin and filed a lawsuit in Franklin County, Ohio, accusing him of years of incestuous sexual abuse. However, Bell’s legal team is now aggressively fighting back, calling the recent $25 million judgment against him completely unfounded and a violation of his constitutional rights.
Disturbing Allegations and a Default Judgment
According to the lawsuit filed in March 2024, Jada alleges that Bell began sexually abusing her when she was just six or seven years old. As per her claims, the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back—who is eight years her senior—initiated nonconsensual relations and manipulated her into performing sexual acts using coded slang terms.
The lawsuit states that Bell referred to oral sex as “fire” and allegedly continued the abuse for nearly a decade, even during his college years at Michigan State and beyond. Jada asserts that the abuse finally ended when she turned 18.
In October 2024, an Ohio judge issued a default judgment against Bell after he reportedly failed to respond to the lawsuit. The court ruled in Jada’s favor, citing Bell’s lack of participation in the proceedings. Subsequently, a jury trial was held in his absence to determine damages, ultimately awarding Jada a staggering $25 million verdict.
Le’Veon Bell’s Legal Team Pushes Back
Bell’s attorney, Thomas W. Shaffer, is now strongly contesting the ruling, calling it a complete violation of Bell’s Fifth Amendment rights. Shaffer claims Bell was never properly served with the lawsuit and was not even residing in Ohio at the time he was purportedly notified of the case.
“My client adamantly denies any and all allegations that have been lodged against him. Further, he was never served with a civil complaint or any documents,” Shaffer told TMZ Sports.
Bell’s legal team is in the process of filing a motion to overturn the default judgment, arguing that the case has never been properly litigated in court. Shaffer maintains that Bell was deprived of due process and that the allegations remain entirely unproven.
Le’Veon Bell’s Post-NFL Career and Next Moves
Bell, now 33, earned over $45 million throughout his NFL career, playing for teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, and Baltimore Ravens. Since retiring from football, he has transitioned into professional boxing, even expressing interest in facing heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in a future bout.
Despite the controversy surrounding this case, Bell remains focused on clearing his name and challenging the legal process that led to the default judgment.
As the legal battle intensifies, the case is expected to draw continued public scrutiny. Bell’s team remains adamant that the claims against him are baseless, and they are determined to have the verdict overturned.
What’s Next?
While Jada Bell has been awarded the $25 million judgment, it remains to be seen whether the ruling will stand. If Bell’s legal team successfully argues that he was not properly served, the case could be reopened and fought in court, potentially altering the outcome.
For now, Bell insists he is innocent and is preparing to take all necessary legal steps to challenge what he calls an unjust ruling.
