Jaguars WR Justin Blackmon Suspended Indefinitely

The Jaguars announced that WR Justin Blackmon suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse, per Ryan O’Halloran.

• O’Halloran adds that Blackmon will eligible for reinstatement before the start of 2014 season.
• Jay Glazer reports that people close to Blackmon are trying to get him help and into a rehab facility.
• Pro Football Talk notes that Blackmon could lose more than $3.19 million following his two suspensions this season.
• Blackmon was set to make a base salary $579,508 for the remainder of the 2013 season, according to Brian McIntyre.

Jaguars GM David Caldwell released a statement regarding Blackmon’s suspension.

“All of us who are a part of the Jaguars family care very deeply about Justin and his well-being. That said, he must be held accountable and accept the consequences announced today by the NFL. His suspension will provide him the opportunity to receive the attention and professional treatment necessary to overcome his challenges, and we will support him during this time. The Jacksonville Jaguars will evaluate Justin’s status once he has successfully met the criteria to be considered for reinstatement to the league.”

Blackmon offered an apology to the Jaguars owner, his coaches and teammates.

“I want to sincerely apologize to Mr. 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 released to Pro Football Talk.  “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, 23, was suspended for the first four games of this season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, so this would be his third off-the-field issue. He was arrested twice for drunk driving before he signed his rookie contract with the Jaguars.

Jacksonville will now have to rely on a receving corps that consists of Cecil Shorts, Ace Sanders, Stephen Williams, Denard Robinson, Stephen Burton and Mike Brown to help them get their first win of the season.