Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is potentially days away from finally reporting to the team. In doing so, he will end his protracted holdout saga after failing to land the lucrative contract he was seeking this offseason.

Bell has garnered a lot of criticism for the way he’s gone about his business, including from his own teammates. However, former offensive lineman and current Fox Sports analyst Mark Schlereth has come to the star running back's defense:

“Here's a guy fighting for his right to get paid and the players in that organization have sided with the league,” Schlereth said. And then it's, ‘why doesn't Le'Veon want to be here?' Why would he want to play with a bunch of Benedict Arnolds?”

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Donald Parham Jr. (89) during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center.
Steelers’ Donald Parham Jr. suffers season-ending injury in practiceBenedetto Vitale ·
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) reacts after a touchdown reception during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Steelers rumors: Pittsburgh renews Jonnu Smith trade talks with DolphinsBenedetto Vitale ·
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (0) before the game against the Green Bay Packers at EverBank Stadium.
Steelers rumors: Pittsburgh hosting ex-Bills star with Jonnu Smith trade not expectedBen Strauss ·
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts on the field against the New York Giants during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers rumors: TJ Watt gets intriguing timeline amid contract extension sagaPreston Byers ·
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) enters the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders’ Jackson Powers-Johnson eyeing revenge on Cam HeywardJosh Davis ·
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Steelers rumors: Insider reveals T.J. Watt contract offerRexwell Villas ·

The Bell holdout saga has certainly been a polarizing issue for former and current players in the league. There are those in Schlereth’s camp who believe in Bell’s right to maximize his earning potential.

And of course, there are those who do not agree with Bell leaving his team high and dry by not showing up, especially after he turned down what seemed to be a somewhat sizable offer from the Steelers in the offseason.

It’s tough to definitively say who’s in the right/wrong in this situation. Just about the only thing that’s for certain is that Bell did what he thinks is best for him, and he will have to live with whatever consequences come with his controversial way of doing it.