Former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell has been ordered to pay $25 million to a female relative, who claims he repeatedly sexually abused her, an Ohio jury determined last month.

In a lawsuit filed in March 2024, the victim accused Bell and his younger brother, La’Vonte, of engaging in nonconsensual sexual relations that began when she was 6 or 7 years old and continued through at least 2017.

The abuse was said to occur again when Bell returned to Ohio after he was drafted into the NFL. Groveport Madison High School, which Bell attended, removed his name from a stadium following the court ruling, citing the findings as misaligned with their values.

Bell’s attorney, Thomas Shaffer, stated that his client adamantly denies all allegations against him. He claims that Bell was not served properly with legal documents related to the case.

The court ruled that the female relative is entitled to $20 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages against Bell. The total judgment against La’Vonte Bell was $11 million. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for rape is 25 years, and 20 years for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.