Jacksonville wide receiver Justin Blackmon, who was suspended for the second time in his two-year NFL career on Friday, will enter a rehab facility, according to ESPN.com.
Blackmon was suspended indefinitely on Friday and will miss at least the rest of the 2013 NFL season. The suspension was handed down after Blackmon violated the league's substance-abuse policy for the second time since April. Blackmon is eligible to apply for reinstatement before the 2014 season.
The troubled receiver, who missed the first four games of the 2013 season due to a substance-abuse violation, apologized to Jaguars owner Shad Khan and many others in a statement.
"I want to sincerely apologize to Mr. Khan, my teammates, my coaches and to the Jaguars fans for not utilizing the resources that I was provided to overcome my challenges. I am determined to overcome the issues that have resulted in this situation, and I truly appreciate the support that the Jaguars and my agent have shown me.
I will address these matters with the type of intensity I usually direct toward my on-field play so that I can be ready to be a productive member of the team and community next season. Again, I am truly sorry to Mr. Khan, my teammates and coaches and to the Jaguars fans for the impact of my situation on the team as well as to my family and friends and those that have been there for me during these challenging times. Nobody is more disappointed with all of this than me."
Although Blackmon is technically suspended indefinitely, his suspension is in line with what the league normally hands out to second time violators. A second violation generally means an eight-game suspension and that's how many games the Jaguars have left in the 2013 season.
Blackmon was also suspended for one game in college. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy suspended Blackmon in 2010 after he was arrested for misdemeanor DUI.
The 23-year-old had been one of the few bright spots for the 0-8 Jaguars this season. Despite only playing in four games, Blackmon was second on the team in receptions (29) and receiving yards (415). The fifth overall pick in the 2012 draft was averaging 103.8 yards per game this season, making him one of only three receivers averaging over 100 yards per game in 2013.
