Justin Blackmon Suspension: “I Have No Excuse”

Nov 18, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) on the sidelines against the Houston Texans in the third quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 43-37. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Blackmon, the second year budding star wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been suspended for four games this coming season.  He has violated the league’s policy and programs for substance abuse.  While it was initially speculated that his suspension was for using banned performance enhancing drugs, it appears that he was using recreational drugs and/or alcohol.

This ban comes on the heels of last offseason’s aggravated DUI while in Oklahoma.  He also had a DUI while in college.  During the season it seemed that Blackmon had moved past the mistakes of his youth, but given too much time off the football field he has been at it again.

Blackmon’s offense is likely his second, giving him a four game suspension.  While he can attend meetings and train during the suspension, he can’t practice and play he won’t be allowed in the first four contests of the 2013 season.

This will hurt the Jaguars who relied on Blackmon despite his relatively high drop rate.  He is an explosive playmaker when defenses let him get involved and he figured to force his will on defenses in his second year.  He really began to come on in the latter half of the 2012 season.

For now, Blackmon has no excuses per Mark Long.  At least he is admitting to his mistake, but the mistake will likely cost his team some production.

– Luke N. Sims

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