It is no secret that Justin Blackmon has had his share of off-the-field drama. Despite being one of the best offensive performers last year for the Jacksonville Jaguars, he cannot keep himself out of trouble outside of football. His recent four-game suspension could have left him off the team for good, but instead the Jaguars are standing by their receiver as head coach Gus Bradley voices his support.
Bradley has full trust in Blackmon despite the suspension. He has been in constant communication with the wide receiver and feels that he has a true connection with him.
"He's never done anything wrong with me. It'd be different if I was talking to him and I didn't feel like we were connecting at all. I do feel a connection," Bradley said.
Blackmon was a top draft pick for the Jaguars. He fell just short of 1,000 receiving yards in his rookie season, catching 64 balls for 865 yards and five touchdowns in 2012. He was a standout on offense, recording an average of 13.5 yards per pass. However, all of that was overshadowed with his outside drama.
Prior to the 2012 season, Blackmon was arrest and pleaded guilty to a DUI charge. His blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit. There were no repercussions from the league, because he had yet to even take the field in the NFL. His most recent issue was a four-game suspension for the upcoming season after violating the league's substance abuse policy.
He addressed the media during the team's first day of organized team activities and was immediately asked about an alcohol problem and whether or not he would consider going to rehab.
"No, I would say I don't. Out of this whole thing one of the main things I would say that I had a problem with was just making a poor decision, making a selfish decision at that and not thinking about the long-term of it and just thinking about at the time. If you want to ask if I have a problem? I have a problem with making a poor decision," Blackmon said.
At this point, it does not look like Blackmon's poor decisions will jeopardize his career in Jacksonville. Bradley said that the receiver is the one instigating meetings between the two and is showing he is ready to move on. As long as he can keep himself out of trouble, Jacksonville will gladly have him on the team.
