Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon was suspended for four games on Tuesday by the National Football League for violating the substance abuse policy.
Jaguars will not release Justin Blackmon
Jacksonville isn’t prepared to cut its troubled wide receiver.
Due to this violation, the Jaguars could release Blackmon, their first-round pick in 2012, without having to pay him another cent due to language in his contract. However, the team will hold onto last year’s No. 6 overall selection, according to ESPN.com.
Blackmon is no stranger to problems off the field. While at Oklahoma State, Blackmon was arrested for a DUI in 2010, resulting in a one-game suspension. In June of last year, Blackmon was once again arrested for DUI, but was not disciplined by the league.
The second-year receiver released the following statement on Tuesday, via ESPN:
“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 preseason 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.”
Frankly, Jacksonville has no choice but to keep Blackmon at this point. The team is in desperate need of some ability, something Blackmon undeniably possesses. Last year, despite playing with Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne as his quarterbacks, Blackmon caught 64 passes for 865 yards, both tops among rookies.
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