Le’Veon Bell (Photo By Rich Barnes-Imagn Images)
Groveport Madison Schools has officially removed Le’Veon Bell’s name from its football field, stripping the former NFL star of an honor granted in 2017.
The decision, announced Friday, follows a $25 million default judgment against Bell in a civil rape lawsuit filed by his cousin. Additionally, school officials revealed that Bell failed to fulfill his $750,000 donation pledge, paying less than half before stopping payments in 2020.
The district cited a clause in its contract allowing termination in cases of “moral turpitude.” In a statement, officials said, “In light of a civil suit that found Mr. Bell liable for over $25 million for serious misconduct involving a minor, the district determined that continuing to honor the naming rights agreement was no longer appropriate or aligned with the values of Groveport Madison Schools.”
Le’Veon Bell’s Legal Fallout And Financial Breach
Le’Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
A court found former Pro Bowl running back Le’Veon Bell liable in a lawsuit accusing him of non-consensual, incestuous relations with his cousin starting when she was 6 or 7 years old.
Bell did not respond to the lawsuit, resulting in an automatic judgment in October. Bell’s lawyer later denied the allegations, claiming authorities never properly served him.
REPORT: #NFL legend Le’Veon Bell’s high school removed his name from their football field.
They claim he owes $450K of a $750K donation and also said that the $25M misconduct suit involving the alleged r*pe of his minor cousin — which he denies, does not align with their values. pic.twitter.com/kRNhywPa8X
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 14, 2025
Bell also failed to fulfill a financial commitment to his former high school. Although he presented a ceremonial $750,000 check when they named the field after him, he paid only $300,000 before stopping payments. On March 13, 2025, the district removed his name from the signage, scoreboard, and field turf, officially severing ties.
