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Former NFL running back Le'Veon Bell has publicly denied allegations that he sexually assaulted his cousin over a decade, despite a jury awarding her $25 million in damages.
The lawsuit, filed in Franklin County, Ohio, accused Bell and his brother, La'Vonte Bell, of nonconsensual incestuous relations with Jada Bell, beginning when she was six or seven years old and continuing through at least 2017.
Le'Veon Bell breaks silence
Bell, who never appeared in court, claims he was unaware of the lawsuit and was never properly served.
As a result, a judge issued a default ruling in Jada's favor last October.
A jury later determined damages, awarding her $25 million from Le'Veon and an additional $11.05 million from La'Vonte.
Bell has since stated his intent to challenge the ruling.
Through his attorney, Thomas W. Shaffer, Bell strongly denied the allegations and criticized the legal process that led to the judgment.
"My client adamantly denies any and all allegations that have been lodged against him,"Shaffer said in a statement to TMZ.
"Further, he was never served with a civil complaint or any documents. The default judgment granted was based upon violations of his Fifth Amendment rights of due process for failing to be served."
Shaffer also confirmed that Bell is taking legal action to overturn the ruling, stating, "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."
Bell also maintains that he was not living in Ohio at the time he was allegedly served, further complicating the legal proceedings.
Le'Veon Bell, 32, played in the NFL for eight seasons, making a name for himself with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being drafted in 2013.
He later signed a lucrative contract with the New York Jets in 2019, but his career declined, and he played for multiple teams before stepping away from the league in 2021.
Since leaving the NFL, Bell has pursued a boxing career, most recently winning a match by unanimous decision in May 2024.
He also teased an NFL return last year but has not signed with a team.
As Bell fights to overturn the judgment, the case remains ongoing, with further legal developments expected in the coming months.