The NFL has suspended Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Justin Blackmon, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The NFL later confirmed
the report, noting that Blackmon was suspended for violating the league’s substance
abuse policy.
Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt
Jaguars former first-round pick WR Justin Blackmon is being suspended four games by the NFL, per league sources. More on NFL Live now.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 30, 2013
Blackmon will now miss the first four games of the Jaguars’
season without pay. He’ll be eligible to return on Sept. 30, following
Jacksonville’s contest against the Indianapolis Colts.
For his part, Blackmon acknowledged that he made a mistake.
"I've made a mistake and I have no excuse," Blackmon said in a statement released by the Jaguars. "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."
With Blackmon sidelined for the start of the new season, the
Jaguars are left with a receiving corps that is led by Cecil Shorts, Mohamed Massaquoi,
Jordan Shipley and rookie Ace Sanders. This certainly won’t help whichever
quarterback – Chad Henne or Blaine Gabbert – is behind center.
Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt
Looking for fantasy football advice?
