PITTSBURGH -- Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, who appeared in court Wednesday morning for an August arrest for marijuana possession and driving under the influence, vowed to stay out of trouble moving forward.
"It's a mistake that obviously [I] can't do it again," Bell said Wednesday afternoon. "It's something I definitely regret doing but I apologized to my teammates for it."
It was the first time Bell admitted to making the mistake that led to his arrest, and Wednesday morning he waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
Bell, the NFL's second-leading rusher, and teammate LeGarrette Blount were arrested while driving to the Pittsburgh International Airport on Aug. 20 for the team flight to Philadelphia.
Bell and Blount each apologized the following night for causing a distraction, after the Steelers lost to the Eagles 31-21 in their third preseason game.
Defense attorney Robery Del Greco Jr., told The Associated Press that Bell is hoping to enter a first-offender program that ultimately could lead to the charges getting dropped. Bell already is subject to random drug tests by the NFL and likely will be suspended for the arrest, although it probably won't happen until next season.
Bell has rushed for 542 yards in six games, and he said the Steelers are focused on getting back on the winning track Monday night against the visiting Houston Texans.
Both teams are 3-3, and the Steelers are coming off a 31-10 loss at Cleveland.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told his players Monday that they have not been tough enough both physically and mentally.
"It definitely caught our attention," Bell said. "When guys are called out, you have to respond, and all Coach Tomlin wants for guys to do is to respond. I know I'm going to respond and I'm pretty sure everybody in this locker room has the same mindset, and we understand we can't have another embarrassing loss like that."