Former NFL running back Le'Veon Bell was arrested Sunday in Canton, Ohio, TMZ reported.
Bell, 34, was reportedly arrested on a warrant for unpaid child support based out of Michigan. While he lives in California, the former running back was at an autograph signing in Canton prior to his arrest.
Last appearing on an NFL field in 2021, Bell spent the majority of his eight-year professional career with the Steelers before participating in multiple boxing fights in the time since his retirement.
Here's what's known about Bell's arrest.
Le'Veon Bell arrest details
TMZ first reported Monday that Bell's attorney, Thomas Shaffer, said the former NFL star was arrested while in Canton, Ohio, in connection to "child support payments, or an alleged lack thereof." Bell has been "struggling to make support payments," Shaffer told TMZ.
While Bell resides in California, he was at an autograph signing in Canton prior to his arrest on Sunday afternoon. He was scheduled to appear at Belden Village Mall in Canton for a meet-and-greet event, per the mall's website.
TMZ also released Bell's mugshot photo on Monday.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Former NFL star Le'Veon Bell arrested over alleged child support neglect. https://t.co/zghh4pLd38 pic.twitter.com/BxFZzY0V01
— TMZ (@TMZ) July 20, 2026
Bell, 34, began his NFL in 2013 with the Steelers, emerging as one of the best running backs in the league. He would play for five seasons in Pittsburgh, earning four All-Pro selections, before holding out of the 2018 season as he refused to sign the franchise tag. Bell then finished his career with stints on the Jets, Chiefs, Ravens and Buccaneers, last spending time on Tampa Bay's roster in the 2021 season.
In 2025, an Ohio jury found Bell liable for $25 million related to a sexual abuse case brought by a female relative for events which occurred when she was a minor. His brother La'Vonte, a co-defendant in the case, was also ordered to pay $11 million. Per Fox 8, neither brother responded to Franklin County Court of Common Pleas summonses in the case, leading to a default judgment against them. Neither were criminally charged in the case.
Le'Veon Bell child support
According to TMZ, Bell owes more than $50,000 for child support. The case originated in Michigan, which is where the child lives.
Bell’s jail record indicates he’s being held on behalf of “another agency," per Fox 8.