Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon and general manager Dave Caldwell have both released statements following the four-game suspension Blackmon received for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
Justin Blackmon, Jaguars release statement on suspension
In the wake of receiving a four-game suspension for breaking the NFL’s substance abuse policy, Justin Blackmon has released a statement apologizing to all members of the organization.
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Blackmon apologized to all members of the organization and took full responsibility for his actions. His full statement is below:
“I’ve made a mistake and I have no excuse. I am truly sorry and disappointed in myself for putting the Jaguars in this situation, and I look forward to putting this behind me and maturing and growing as a person. I will have a productive training camp and pre-season with my team, and during the suspension I will work hard to stay in top football shape and be ready to help the Jaguars when I return. I have chosen to be accountable for my poor decision, and I sincerely apologize to my teammates, coaches, the front office and Jaguars fans for the impact of my mistake on the team.”
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Blackmon will be with the Jaguars during training camp and the preseason, but then will be suspended without pay for the first four games of the season. He is eligible to return to the team on Monday, Sept. 30, after the Jags' Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Caldwell, the first-year general manager of the team, was disappointed in Blackmon, but promised to support the receiver through his suspension and educate players about making the proper decisions. Caldwell’s full statement:
“Coach Bradley and I have spoken with Justin, and he is well aware of our disappointment. I don’t think there is any question that Justin is embarrassed and remorseful, and Coach Bradley and I are both confident he understands the obligations ahead of him, to himself, the franchise and the fans. We will support him throughout the process and continue to work to educate him and all of our players on making the right decisions. The Jaguars have made a lot of progress over the past three months, and we will not allow this news to slow us down.”
Blackmon totaled 64 receptions for 865 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie, coming into his own during the second half of the season. The Jaguars will struggle to replace his production during his suspension as they lack depth at the wide receiver position.
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