justin-blackmon2

 

While yes we’re all human and are bound to make mistakes, some of them should really be avoided especially when they are at the expense of losing money. But unfortunately for the Jackson Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon he’s made a costly on that has potential for an even bigger lost in the future.

 

With the start of the upcoming NFL season, Blackmon has managed to get himself suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season. According to an announcement from the NFL his suspension revolves around a violation of the league’s policy on substance abuse. No details were given on exactly what substance Blackmon used that violated the policy, but he’s be known to have alcohol related issues in the past.   

 

Blackmon’s suspension will allow him to participate in all preseason practices and games, but he will not be eligible to return to the Jaguars active roster during regular season until September 30th. During his suspension Blackmon will forfeit a portion of his salary to the tune of $289,754. The suspension also led to a void in his contract of almost $10 million in future guarantees.

 

In a team press release, Blackmon expressed his remorse and apologized for his action saying,

 

“I’ve made a mistake and I have no excuse. 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. I will have a productive training camp and preseason with my team, and during the suspension I will work hard to stay in top football shape and be ready to help the Jaguars when I return. I have chosen to be accountable for my poor decision, and I sincerely apologize to my teammates, coaches, the front office and Jaguars fans for the impact of my mistake on the team.”

 

While members of the Jaguars’ leadership are disappointed in Blackmon’s actions, they decided to support him and forge ahead. The team’s general manager David Caldwell said in a statement,

 

“Coach Bradley and I have spoken with Justin, and he is well aware of our disappointment. I don’t think there is any question that Justin is embarrassed and remorseful, and Coach Bradley and I are both confident he understands the obligations ahead of him, to himself, the franchise and the fans. We will support him throughout the process and continue to work to educate him and all of our players on making the right decisions. The Jaguars have made a lot of progress over the past three months, and we will not allow this news to slow us down.”

 

Hopefully for Blackmon this is a lesson learned and for whatever his substance abuse issues are he can get his mind right, respect his grind and get back to the business of his stacking his dough.