Ex-NFL Star Le’Veon Bell owes $25 million in an abuse case filed against him. His cousin filed the suit against both him and his brother. The suit accuses him of sexually assaulting her when she was a minor. The star has played 10 NFL seasons for various teams and has a significant fan following. If you are someone who wants to know more about the case and the judgment, this article is for you. It brings you everything you need to know about the Ex-NFL star owing $25 million in an abuse case. The following article also includes the statements of the attorneys representing both the parties.
The Complaint
Le’Veon Bell’s cousin first filed her complaint against him as well as his brother in the month of March 2024. She accused both the siblings of indulging in nonconsensual, incestual relations with her throughout her minority. This also includes his frequent returns to Central Ohio during his years in college. The alleged victim said in her complaint that none of the sexual encounters with him were consensual. However, they occurred so frequently that it almost felt habitual. She also said she suffered extreme and ongoing mental anguish and distress because of the abuse.
The Judgement
The cousin filed the suit against Le’Veon Bell in March 2025 and a default judgment was passed in favor in the month of October 2024. The jury determined he had to pay a total of $20 million in compensatory damages to the victim. In addition to that, he also has to pay a total of $5 million as punitive damages to the victim. On the other hand, his brother La’Vonte Bell also owes the victim a total of more than $11 million for his alleged role in her abuse.
His Attorney’s Statement
Thomas W. Shaffer, who is representing Le’Veon Bell in the case, made an official statement about the default judgment. He mentioned that the default judgment was passed on the basis of the violations of the Fifth Amendment. This amendment provides rights of due process for failing to be served. Shaffer added that his client Le’Veon Bell is filing a motion for opening and reversing the default judgment. He argued that the narratives of this were never litigated. Shaffer mentioned his client did not receive any legal documents. The star himself denied all the allegations through a video on Twitch as well.
Statement of The Victim’s Attorney
John Camillus, who is representing the victim in this case, also made an official statement after Shaffer’s accusation. He mentioned in his statement that they have done everything legally under the Ohio law. Camillus also mentioned that the legal documents sent to La’Vonte’s address were received. On the other hand, the documents sent to Le’Veon’s address did not return to the clerk’s office. Shaffer, in his statement, responded to the claim saying Le’Veon told him he doesn’t live on that address.
