Good thing he isn’t a baseball player

As a child, I was always taught that the three-strike rule in baseball also applies to getting in trouble. In fact, the idea of getting in trouble three times at the same school or with the same team normally leads to a parting of the parties. In the case of the Jacksonville Jaguars and wide receiver Justin Blackmon, whether this third strike leads to a parting of ways is still in the air.

According to ESPN, Justin Blackmon will be banned four games in the upcoming 2013/14 season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. Blackmon will not be paid during the four-game suspension. The troubled receiver will not be allowed to practice during the suspension, but will be allowed to us the training facility and attend team meetings.

New GM of the Jacksonville Jaguars Dave Caldwell said, “To be honest with you, things like this are frustrating because it is an avoidable situation.” He also went on to finish his statement in a cryptic manner stating, “ At the end of the day, we’re going to have 53 players on our team on opening day and we’re just moving forward and we’re not slowing down.” 

What makes this an interesting situation for Blackmon and the Jags is that with a third substance abuse violation, Blackmon nullifies future guarantees in his contract. This would allow the Jaguars to part with Blackmon without having to pay the $10 million remaining on this four-year, $18 million contract. While no statement has been made, the Jaguars did draft two receivers in South Carolina’s Ace Sanders and Michigan quarterback turned slot receiver and back Denard Robinson.

While the future of the Jaguars is uncertain, one thing’s for sure: Caldwell is not pleased at all with Blackmon’s third substance abuse offense in the league, and second of the year. His sentiment is described perfectly as he states, “There’s only so much we can do under the CBA in terms of helping a player. At some point in time, these players have to help themselves and take care of themselves.” The Jaguars face off against Kansas City, Oakland, Seattle and Indianapolis in Blackmon’s absence.

Photo courtesy of CBS