Jags WR Justin Blackmon Suspended Indefinitely Without Pay

Justin Blackmon’s transition into the NFL has not been a smooth one.

Jaguars troubled wide receiver Justin Blackmon was suspended again for what was at least his third violation of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy in the last 18 months. He missed the first four games of this season for a previous violation.

This time it’s far more serious. Today Blackmon was placed on indefinite suspension, which will keep him out the rest of the season—without pay. He will be eligible to apply for reinstatement prior to the start of the 2014 season.

Although at the moment, his future in Jacksonville—and the NFL in general—are anything but assured. The 0-8 Jags are off the hook for the rest of Blackmon’s 2013 salary, but there’s a chance the team will take action to void the remainder of his rookie contract.

One thing Blackmon has going for him is that the Jaguars have absolutely nothing going for them. The promise he’s shown, when he actually makes it onto the field, may be enough to convince them to take a wait and see approach when it comes to his future.

Blackmon, on the other hand, can’t wait any longer in addressing his obvious problem with (what seems to be predominantly) alcohol.

He’s run afoul of the law three times for reasons related to intoxication—one of which was a traffic stop, weeks after he’d been drafted, in which his blood alcohol content was found to be three times the legal limit.

Blackmon’s Oklahoma mugshot.

Jacksonville’s general manager Dave Caldwell expressed public support for Blackmon, while at the same time urging him to take responsibility for his actions.

Said Caldwell, “All of us who are 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.”

He added, “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.”

Hopefully Blackmon will make the most of this opportunity, because it could very well be his last.