Quote:I believe the term I recall hearing was that the coaches and teams have LIMITED contact with Blackmon. I don't think that means no contact at all

 

I think you're mixing up the rules allowing players to maintain some contact with the team if the suspension is less than a year.  Blackmon was able to attend meetings, work out with the team, and basically do everything short of playing in games while he was on his suspension earlier in the year. 

 

However, if the suspension is 1 year or more (indefinite would qualify), the player is separated from the team.  Any contact that needs to occur is channeled through the league.  Coaches/front office personnel can't text or call him. 

 

They changed the rules back in 2004 to allow for the situation Blackmon went through early last season.  The feeling was it allowed the players to remain in a structured, monitored environment while working through their issues.  However, if it goes over a year, they're on their own. 

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