The Ohio ju-deciding judge decided last month, when he was ordered to pay $25 million to a relative of a woman who has repeatedly allegedly been sexually abused her, Le’veon Bell ran through Le’veon Bell.
In a lawsuit filed in March 2024, the victim accused Bell and his younger brother Lavonte of engaging in unconsensual sexual relationships that began when she was six or seven years old and “continued after at least 2017” that Bell was drafted by the NFL and continued after living in the area. The abuse continues when Bell returns to Ohio, according to the lawsuit.
Le’veon Bell’s former high school, Grove Port Madison (just outside Columbus, Ohio), has removed its name from the stadium following the outcome of a civil lawsuit. In 2017, Bell reportedly donated $750,000 to the school to cover the installation of synthetic grass. Field was then renamed after him.
“In light of a civil lawsuit that found Bell was liable for more than $25 million for serious misconduct involving miners, the district determined that continuing to respect the naming rights agreement was not in line with the value of Globe Port Madison School,” a school spokesperson said in a release.
Le’veon Bell’s attorney Thomas Shaffer said in a statement that his client had denied the allegations.
“My client has firmly denied all allegations filed against him. Moreover, he was never provided with civil complaints or documents,” said Shaffer (via TMZ). “The default judgment granted was based on a violation of the Fifth Amendment of the legitimate process because it was not provided. My client has filed a motion to open and reverse the default judgment, as the story of the case has never been litigated.”
Shaffer claims that Le’veon Bell did not live at the address the lawsuit was provided to him, and that no one in that location is authorized to sign him. Shaffer said his clients learned about arbitration online.
As neither brothers responded to the lawsuit, a default ruling in favour of the plaintiffs was ruled in October. According to court documents, the trial to determine damages occurred without the brothers present.
Ju told the female relatives were entitled to $20 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages from a former NFL player, bringing Le’veon Bell’s total to $25 million. La’vonte Bell is ordered to pay $11 million.
Ohio’s rape restriction laws are 25 years, and 20 years for illegal sexual conduct with minors.
