After being suspended indefinitely, Jacksonville wide receiver Justin Blackmon has decided to enter rehab. Blackmon, the most talented player on the Jaguars, has struggled with substance abuse in the past. He was suspended the first four games of this season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He will not be eligible to play until next season.
Blackmon is far from the first NFL player to suffer from addiction. Earlier this season, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith checking himself into a treatment facility for alcohol abuse. Smith got into a car accident at 7:00 AM, hitting a tree after falling asleep at the wheel. Police arrested Smith for DUI and he is still facing charges for the incident as well as felony weapons possession for an incident in 2012. He has completed treatment and has been added to the 49ers’ active roster. He will likely play next week against the Carolina Panthers.
It is sad to see these athletes struggle with addiction when they have such a bright future in front of them. Blackmon is one of the most talented receivers in the league and the Jaguars could really build around him. However, he just cannot block out temptation and stay focused on football. The NFL trying to get players help instead of discipline will hopefully help these players who are losing the battle of addiction. Hopefully, teammates and coaches can rally around Blackmon in a time where he needs positive support.
