Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon was suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy on Friday.
Blackmon’s suspension is effective immediately. This isn’t the first time that Blackmon has violated the substance-abuse policy. He was suspended for the first four games of this season for violating the policy. In the last 18 months this is Blackmon’s third violation at least. Blackmon will be eligible to apply for reinstatement before the 2014 season starts, according to the Associated Press.
''I want to sincerely apologize to Mr. (Shad) Khan, my teammates, my coaches and to the Jaguars fans for not utilizing the resources that I was provided to overcome my challenges,'' Blackmon said in a statement that his agent released. ''I am determined to overcome the issues that have resulted in this situation, and I truly appreciate the support that the Jaguars and my agent have shown me.
'I will address these matters with the type of intensity I usually direct toward my on-field play so that I can be ready to be a productive member of the team and community next season. Again, I am truly sorry to Mr. Khan, my teammates and coaches and to the Jaguars fans for the impact of my situation on the team as well as to my family and friends and those that have been there for me during these challenging times. Nobody is more disappointed with all of this than me.''
Blackmon had 29 catches for 415 yards and a touchdown, according to ESPN. As a rookie in 2012, Blackmon had 64 catches for 865 yards and five touchdowns. Jaguar’s general manager David Caldwell said that he hopes that Blackmon plays for the Jaguars again.
The Jaguars are currently 0-8 and have a bye week this week.