It appears that for second-year Jacksonville Jaguars wide out Justin Blackmon, that his off-the-field issues in college have followed him to the pros.
The former Cowboys standout has been suspended the first four games of the 2013-14 season for violating of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The cause for what triggered the violation remains unknown.
Blackmon, led all rookies in receiving yards (865), tied for first in receptions(64) with Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright and targets(128), during the 2012-13 season, has had issues with the law since his days at Oklahoma State.
In 2010, Blackmon—then at Oklahoma State—would be arrested in Texas for speeding misdemeanor DUI, one month after the Jaguars selected him sixth overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, he would be arrested again at a Stillwater traffic stop with his blood alcohol content three times the legal limit.
Going forward, the Jaguars now have the option of cutting him and not having to pay the remaining balance on his four-year $18.5 million contract.
Due to language in his deal, Blackmon’s latest brush with the law triggers Jacksonville’s rights to void any future guarantees.
While Blackmon is very talented and has the potential to make plays, if he cannot keep himself out of trouble, then it would be in the Jaguars best interest to release the troubled—but talented—play maker.
While the Jags may not be thinking it right now, the recent selections of former South Carolina wide out Ace Sanders, converted wide receiver/running back Denard Robinson in the 2013 NFL Draft and free agent pickups of Mohamed Massaqoui, Jordan Shipley and Taylor Price may provide a clue.
If Blackmon is not more careful soon, he could find his stay in northern Florida very short, very quickly.
Robert D. Cobb is the Founder/CEO/Senior Editor-In-Chief Of The Inscriber : Digital Magazine, for questions, comments and concerns email me at [email protected] follow me on Twitter @RC_TheInscriber and follow The Inscriber : Digital Magazine on Twitter at @TheInscriber
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