Le'Veon Bell denies rape allegations made by younger cousin after victim awarded $25 million

Despite a recent $25 million default judgment against him, former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell is “adamantly” denying rape claims made by a female relative that allegedly began when she was as young as six years old, according to TMZ.

Jada Bell, reportedly Le’Veon’s cousin eight years his junior, filed a civil lawsuit in his hometown of Franklin County, Ohio, back in March 2024 alleging the 33-year-old former Michigan State and Pittsburgh Steelers running back began a decade-long nonconsensual and incestual relationship with her that allegedly lasted until she turned 18.

According to the suit, as viewed by TMZ, Jada Bell claims her older cousin would use “slang terms” like “fire” to direct her, as a minor, to perform sexual acts on him.

Jada Bell’s suit alleges the abuse continued throughout “his college years and beyond,” whenever Le’Veon would return to Ohio, until she reached adulthood.

A Franklin County judge issued a default judgment in Jada Bell’s favor in October 2024, ruling Le’Veon Bell was “served according to law and failed to move, plead, or otherwise appear in this action.” Jada Bell was then awarded $25 million in damages two weeks ago at the conclusion of a jury trial that was held in Le’Veon Bell’s absence.

Le’Veon Bell attorney claims NFL RB’s Fifth Amendment rights were violated

The former running back-turned-boxer’s attorney, Thomas W. Shaffer, recently told TMZ “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 added Bell wasn’t even living in Ohio when he was purportedly served.

“The default judgment granted was based upon violations of his Fifth Amendment rights of due process for failing to be served,” Shaffer told TMZ. “My client is in the process of filing a motion to open and reverse the default judgment because the narratives of the case have never been litigated.”

Le’Veon Bell, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, played college football at Michigan State from 2010-2012, earning first-team All-American and All-Big Ten status as a junior, before becoming a second-round selection of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Le’Veon Bell went on to rush for 6,554 yards and 42 touchdowns over 10 NFL seasons (2013-21), the first six years with the Steelers, before closing out a tumultuous pro career with brief stints with the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.