Former NFL running back Le'Veon Bell was released from jail on Wednesday after being arrested earlier this month on a warrant for allegedly failing to pay $50,000 in child support.
Bell, 34, posted a video to social media showing him celebrating his release from the Kent County Correctional Facility in Michigan. "We f***ing free!! We out!!" Bell exclaimed in the clip. "Aye, I ain't never coming back to Kent County. Kent County, I'm done with y'all. Y'all never see me ever again EVER again in your life. I promise you won't."
Bell's attorney, Thomas Shaffer, stated that the child support payments were calculated based on Bell's former NFL salary, which he has not earned since concluding his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. "Six months ago he cashed in an NFL pension to pay $50,000 in child support for that child," Shaffer told the Canton Repository. "His guidelines are still inaccurately being deemed based on his NFL salary and his professional boxing career. This is a revolving door because he pays a number that doesn't reflect his true income. The issue will never end. The court needs to reflect his true income."
Bell earned over $45 million in salary during his eight NFL seasons, according to Spotrac. The child in question reportedly resides in Michigan, the same state where Bell played college football for Michigan State.
This incident follows other controversial public statements and allegations made by the former running back. Last week, Bell posted his mug shot with the caption, "F*** CHILD SUPPORT." He has also drawn criticism for his past support of Donald Trump, including sharing an image that contained a derogatory term for Kamala Harris.
In March, a jury ordered Bell and his brother to pay $25 million and $11.05 million respectively in damages related to allegations of decades of sexual abuse. Bell has publicly denied these allegations.
Bell played five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before sitting out the 2018 season due to a contract dispute. He also played for the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After his NFL career, Bell pursued professional boxing, holding a record of 2-1 from 2022 to 2024.