Jags Receiver Puts Contract In Jeopardy With Suspension
JACKSONVILLE (CBSMiami) – As the rookies for the Miami Dolphins prepare to attend their first organized team activities this weekend; there's a cautionary tale coming from Jacksonville and the Jaguars' 2012 first-round pick Justin Blackmon.
The National Football League suspended Blackmon Tuesday afternoon for the first four games of the 2013 season for his second violation of the league's substance abuse program. Blackmon came into the league with question marks about his past and this hasn't helped his cause.
He will not get paid for the four games he will miss and it could end up costing him even more money. Language in Blackmon's contract allow the Jaguars to cut the former first-round pick without having to pay roughly $10 million remaining on his contract.
"It's very disappointing," general manager Dave Caldwell said Tuesday evening. "To be honest with you, things like this are frustrating because it's an avoidable situation. That's what's real concerning and frustrating."
For Blackmon, it's his third substance-related incident in less than three years. He's been picked up twice before on DUI charges.
While the Jaguars could cut Blackmon, the reality is he's there only receiving weapon on the outside. He caught 64 passes for 865 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie. The Jags are looking at the future of quarterback Blaine Gabbert and without Blackmon, it's going to make Gabbert's job even tougher.
The Jags didn't say when they found out about Blackmon's problem, but the team did select wide receiver/punt returner Ace Sanders and former Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson in last weekend's NFL Draft. The Jags also have Mohammed Massaquoi and Jordan Shipley looking for time at the receiver position.
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