The Jacksonville Jaguars just can't catch a break when it comes to their talented wide receivers staying out of trouble. Third-year wideout Justin Blackmon, who was already on an indefinite suspension from the NFL for multiple substance abuse policy violations, was arrested in Edmond, Oklahoma where police found marijuana in his possession. He was also driving without a license.
"We want him to get help he needs," Jaguars owner Shad Khan said. Jags coach Gus Bradley also eschewed harsh talk for concern over Blackmon's future, which is trending down. "Right now, all I can say is I'm just praying that he can get the help that he needs,'' Bradley said.
This is Blackmon's third arrest since 2010. His first came when he was still in college playing for the Oklahoma State Cowboys-he was arrested on a misdemeanor DUI charge which was later reduced. In 2012 he was locked up again for DUI after his blood-alcohol level was discovered to be three times over the legal limit.
In his young career Blackmon has recorded 93 receptions, 1,280 yards and six receiving touchdowns while playing in just 20 games. In 2013 before he was suspended, Blackmon was in the midst of a breakout campaign in which he was averaging more than seven catches per game.
His future seemed in doubt when the Jaguars took two high-end receivers in the 2014 draft-Marqise Lee out of USC and Allen Robinson out of Penn State in Round 2-but a path to a comeback may still be within reach.
Fellow Jags pass-catcher Ace Sanders, expected to contribute in Blackmon's absence, has been banned for four games for his own violation of the league's substance abuse policy. Sanders has accepted responsibility for the suspension and isn't planning to appeal.
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