Justin Blackmon Suspended Four Games By NFL

Justin Blackmon has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the 2013 season.

Blackmon, a wide receiver with the Jacksonville Jaguars, plead guilty this summer to driving under the influence. Blackmon’s DUI violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy and resulted in a four game suspension.

Blackmon apologized to the NFL after his arrest saying that he had “no excuse” for driving under the influence.

Blackmon said: “I’ve made a mistake and I have no excuse … I am truly sorry and disappointed in myself for putting the Jaguars in this situation. I look forward to putting this behind me and maturing and growing as a person.”

In addition to his four game suspension, the Jaguars wide receiver was fined $500 by an Oklahoma judge and sentenced to 50 hours of community service.

Blackmon will be eligible to return to the team on September 30, following the team’s game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Before his return, the Jaguars will have to rely on Cicil Shorts, Mohamed Massaquoi, Jordan Shipley and rookie Ace Sanders.

The Jaguars haven’t commented on the situation besides acknowledging the fact that they’ll be without Blackmonfor the first four games.

Justin Blackmon suspended 4 games by the NFL.

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@jaguars) April 30, 2013

Justin Blackmon signed a four-year, $18.5 million contact with the Jaguars in 2012. It’s unclear if his suspension will jeopardize any guaranteed money in the contract.