As Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon deals with the latest obstacle to a promising and productive NFL career, Blackmon has begun the process regaining the trust of his organization by apologizing to it.
“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,” Blackmon said in a statement released to PFT. “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.”
He should be. Combining the four-game suspension with the eight-game suspension, Blackmon lost $966,000 in base salary. He also forfeits $1.33 million of signing bonus money for the 12 games missed in 2013, and he jeopardizes $3 million in signing-bonus money that was carved out of his signing bonus and converted to 2014 and 2015 roster bonuses.
That’s a total cost for now of $2.296 million, plus another possible $3.09 million if he doesn’t return to the league, or if the Jaguars cut him.
He’ll also lose base salary of $2.072 million and $2.914 million if he doesn’t return to the NFL, or if he’s cut by the Jaguars.
That’s a total actual and potential loss of $10.372 million.