Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy again, the team announced Friday.
The suspension begins immediately, and Blackmon will miss the rest of the 2013 season. Blackmon can apply for reinstatement before the start of the 2014 season.
Blackmon, 23, had been suspended for the first four games of this season for violating the league’s drug policy.
Blackmon, the fifth overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, played in four games this season, starting all four, and recorded 29 receptions for 415 yards and one touchdown. Last year, as a rookie, he had 64 catches for 865 yards.
Blackmon has about $10 million left to be paid on a four-year, $18.5 million contract.
“All of us who are a part of the Jaguars family care very deeply about Justin and his well-being,” Jaguars general manager David Caldwell said in a statement released by the team. “That said, he must be held accountable and accept the consequences announced today by the NFL. His suspension will provide him the opportunity to receive the attention and professional treatment necessary to overcome his challenges, and we will support him during this time. The Jacksonville Jaguars will evaluate Justin’s status once he has successfully met the criteria to be considered for reinstatement to the league.”