Dec 23, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) warms up before the start of the game against the New England Patriots at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Smith was an amazing athlete. He’s the all time leader in receptions for the Jaguars, led the team in receptions for 9 straight seasons to be exact, and was voted to the Pro Bowl five times. More importantly, he’s one of my favorite Jaguars of all time. But with all those acollades, he had a problem. Many problems actually. And they all started with a problem of making bad decisions. Decisions that led to multiple run ins with the law.

I thought Justin Blackmon was a pipe dream prior to the 2012 NFL Draft. He was electrifying to watch in college and I felt he’d be long gone by the time the Jags were on the clock. He was the consensus #1 wideout by a long shot. His only red flag was a DUI he got while in college. Just a bad decision, right? Then in June of last year he received another DUI. Another “bad decision” that led to a delayed signing by the Jaguars, as they had to protect themselves by creating a safety net contract. Then, just days after the 2013 draft, another bad decision led to Blackmon being suspended for four games to start the season. Are you seeing the trend here?

Blackmon recently stated he doesn’t feel he has a substance abuse problem. But his track record might say otherwise. As the 2013 season begins, Justin Blackmon will start the season on suspension for violating the league policy on substance abuse, at the same time  Jimmy Smith will be serving a 6 year sentence for drug possession and firearms charges. Although I do hope that Blackmon is like Smith on the field, I can only hope he’s the furthest thing from him off the field. Despite a prolific NFL career, Jimmy Smith will primarily be remembered for his bad decisions that led to his demise. So take note Mr. Blackmon and try to learn from the mistakes of a former Jaguar great.

- Jason Abarca

May 13, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) answers questions from the media about his recent four-game suspension by the NFL for violation of its substance abuse policy after organized team activities at The Florida Blue Health

Justin Blackmon was suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season shortly after the 2013 NFL Draft.  He was suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy for the second time.  The first violation was last year when he was arrested for a DUI in Oklahoma shortly after being drafted.  The news is frustrating for those of us that want to see his skills be used to benefit the rebuilding Jacksonville Jaguars, but it is something that we, as fans, are learning to deal with.  It’s disappointing, but the Jaguars have added enough weapons that they should be able to pick up the slack.

Blackmon addressed the media on Monday and has apologized to his teammates, praised the new team leadership, and, perhaps most notably, stated that he does not have a substance abuse problem.  Here is the notable statement:

No, I would say I don’t. Out of this whole thing, one of the main things I would say that I had a problem with just making poor decisions, making a selfish decision at that and not thinking about the long-term of it. If you want to ask if I have a problem, I have a problem with making poor decisions.

While he may not have a substance abuse problem, he definitely does have a decision making problem.  The bad decisions he has made have led to a DUI in college, one after, and now a four game suspension from the 2013 regular season.  He definitely hasn’t been thinking of the long term and maybe he will be able to see that now.

If Blackmon violates the substance abuse policy again then he can be suspended for a full season.  As a Jaguars fan I certainly hope that doesn’t happen.  A year ban is a long-term ban and would definitely bring his focus to the bigger picture, stopping him from making the self-identified selfish decisions.  Here is his statement following his suspension.

It will be nice to see him back in black and teal after week four.

- Luke N. Sims

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Cris Carter’s life was turned around because the Minnesota Vikings trusted him and supported him through his tough younger years.  Hopefully Blackmon can follow in his footsteps with the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Source: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley made clear that his trust in suspended wide receiver Justin Blackmon should not be mistaken as naivety.  When talking with the Florida Times-Union, Bradley said that he trusts Blackmon and has had numerous conversations with him since the league announced the four game suspension.  Blackmon’s recovery from his stuggles (DUIs in 2010, 2012, and now a violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy) is going to be a process, but he has his team’s support and that is important.

Supporting Blackmon may be difficult for the Jaguars, especially since it appears Blackmon has a real problem, but it’s what they are going to do.  There have been rumors that the Jaguars should cut Blackmon, but his talent when on the field is tough to move past.  Further, Blackmon sounds genuinely remorseful which is big.  Actions speak louder than words, but right now words will have to do.

Personally, I worry that a third violation will come and the Jaguars will lose Blackmon to a full year suspension.  While I have confidence in Blackmon turning it around (even more so with the support of the Jaguars), there will always be that thought in the back of our heads that it could happen again.

The Jaguars’ trust, though, can do wonders.  The best example, in my mind, of a player turning it around is wide receiver Cris Carter.  Carter struggled with drug and alcohol abuse as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, ultimately causing dissension between him and coach Buddy Ryan, resulting in him being cut.  Picked up by the Minnesota Vikings he received strong support from the team and managed to turn things around.

Ultimately, it all comes down to Blackmon, but support from one’s team can do wonders.  As Times-Union writer Ryan O’Halloran said, “What has gone unspoken among the Jaguars is that Blackmon is one false test from being suspended for an entire year.”  Hopefully, with the team’s support, Blackmon won’t have to see another suspension.

- Luke N. Sims

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You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims