Justin Blackmon Handed Four Game Suspension

Dec 16, 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) celebrates a touchdown catch over Miami Dolphins defensive back R.J. Stanford (not pictured) but it was called back on a penalty in the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Blackmon, who took the Big 12 by storm at the Oklahoma State University, was handed a 4 game suspension for the beginning of the season without pay for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substance of Abuse.

He tested positive for a substance, but not for a performance enhancing drug as reported by ESPN’s John Clayton.

Blackmon who was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars 5th overall in last years draft, has the potential to be the future of this offense as long as he can put this behind him and learn from his mistake. A very talented kid out of Oklahoma State, as a Texas Longhorns fan, he drove me crazy. Pretty athletic and given the right quarterback in Jacksonville, should be a pro bowl player as soon as things are finally pieced together for the Jaguars. Let’s face it, right now they aren’t exactly the hottest team looking forward to the 2013 season.

The 2012 #5 overall pick will be able to return to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ active roster on September 30th, after the September 29th game against the Indianapolis Colts.

He issued a statement today that was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars 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.” – via NFL.com"

He was arrested last June for a DUI, where he pleaded guilty in July and an Oklahoma judge accepted Blackmon’s plea. He had to pay $500 fine, $100 to a drug abuse and treatment fund on top of community service of 50 hours. The judge from Oklahoma imposed a deferred sentence of one year.

Now while he is serving his suspension, this could give other receivers to step up and carry the work load for this struggling offense. As of right now, the receiving core will consist of Cecil Shorts, Mohamed Massaquoi, Jordan Shipley and Ace Sanders, a rookie out of South Carolina, selected 4th overall in the 4th round.

If this happens to continue, it could result in a suspension, or released/traded from this team if the front office doesn’t want to deal with problems like this. Not saying he will be traded or released, I’m saying if he happens to continue to slip up like this, he won’t last long in Jacksonville, a team that desperately needs to find their rhythm offensively.

Last season Justin Blackmon finished the year with 64 receptions, 865 yards and 5 touchdowns in his rookie year. Mohamed Massaquoi will more than likely fill in at his spot on the depth chart, coming from the Cleveland Browns (where he spent 4 seasons) with 118 receptions, 1745 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.

Games he will miss to start the 2013 season include, Kansas City Chiefs, @ Oakland Raiders, @ Seattle Seahawks and home game against the Indianapolis Colts.