Le’Veon Bell name removed from high school alma mater football field amid sexual abuse lawsuit, default on donation

On Friday, ProFootballTalk‘s Mike Florio reported Le’Veon Bell‘s alma mater Groveport Madison High School (OH) has removed the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back’s name from its facilities. The move comes after Bell had a $25 million verdict entered against him in a civil case alleging rape and he allegedly failed to honor a commitment to donate $750,000 to the school.

“While he initially made four payments of $75,000 each, totaling $300,000, his last payment was received on December 9, 2020,” the school district said in a statement. “Despite attempts to address the delinquent payments, Mr. Bell has discontinued further payments, resulting in a breach of contract. As a result, the district has moved forward [on March 13, 2025] with removing his name from the stadium entrance, scoreboard, and field turf.

“In light of a civil suit that found Mr. Bell liable for over $25 million for serious misconduct involving a minor, the district determined that continuing to honor the naming rights agreement was no longer appropriate or aligned with the values of Groveport Madison Schools.”

Jada Bell — reportedly Le’Veon’s cousin eight years his junior — filed a civil lawsuit in his hometown of Franklin County, Ohio, back in March 2024. She alleged Le’Veon Bell had a decade-long nonconsensual and incestual relationship with her that allegedly lasted until she turned 18.

According to the suit, as viewed by TMZ, Jada Bell claims her older cousin would use “slang terms” like “fire” to direct her, as a minor, to perform sexual acts on him. Jada Bell’s suit alleges the abuse continued throughout “his college years and beyond,” whenever Le’Veon would return to Ohio, until she reached adulthood.

A Franklin County judge issued a default judgment in Jada Bell’s favor in October 2024, ruling Le’Veon Bell was “served according to law and failed to move, plead, or otherwise appear in this action.” Jada Bell was then awarded $25 million in damages two weeks ago at the conclusion of a jury trial that was held in Le’Veon Bell’s absence.

Despite the verdict, Bell “adamantly” denies his cousin’s allegations. Bell was a star for three years at Groveport Madison, where was named a First-Team All-Ohio Capital Conference Ohio Division selection as a senior.

Bell went on to find immense success at Michigan State and in the NFL. His professional career spanned from 2013-21. During that time, he was named an All-Pro three times and selected to three Pro Bowls.

On3’s Alex Byington also contributed to this report.