Former NFL star Le’Veon Bell has broken his silence after a $25 million lawsuit judgment was ruled against him. His cousin, Jada Bell, has accused him of serious misconduct, claiming that he engaged in nonconsensual relations with her from the time she was just six or seven years old until she turned 18.
Jada initially filed a police report in Columbus in October 2022 and later took legal action in March and October 2024. However, since Bell never responded or appeared in court, the judge ruled in her favor by default. In February 2025, a jury ordered Bell to pay $20 million in compensatory damages and an additional $5 million in punitive damages.
Adding to the controversy, Bell’s younger brother, La’Vonte Bell, was also found liable for over $11 million in damages for alleged assault and childhood abuse.
Bell Calls Allegations “Bogus,” Claims He Was Never Served
Despite the legal ruling, Le’Veon Bell strongly denies the allegations, calling them completely false. He insists he only learned about the accusations when TMZ reached out for a statement. Bell even suggested that the signature confirming he was served might have been forged.
During a Twitch livestream, the former NFL running back addressed the situation, stating that he had always supported Jada financially, as her father was in prison and her mother struggled with alcoholism. He explained that their relationship fell apart in 2022 when he stopped paying for her rent and expenses, leading to her eviction.
Bell claims that after this, Jada sent him a text message threatening him, saying, “We’re gonna see who the bad guy is.” He believes this was a setup, leading to the serious accusations against him years later.
Legal Team Fights Back Against Default Judgment
Bell’s attorney, Thomas W. Shaffer, has come forward to defend his client, stating that Bell was never officially served with legal documents and was unfairly ruled against.
“The default judgment violates my client’s Fifth Amendment right to due process,” Shaffer told TMZ. He further confirmed that Bell is preparing to file a motion to overturn the ruling, arguing that the case has never been properly litigated.
What’s Next for Le’Veon Bell?
Le’Veon Bell, once a dominant force in the NFL, played for eight seasons, racking up 6,455 rushing yards, 42 touchdowns, and over $45 million in career earnings. Since stepping away from football, Bell has pursued a career in professional boxing, holding a 2-1 record, including an exhibition victory against former NFL star Adrian Peterson.
As the legal battle unfolds, Bell remains firm in his stance that the accusations are false. With his legal team gearing up to challenge the ruling, this case is far from over.
