Quote: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. 

 

I don't believe the team is allowed NO contact.  I remember Gus being quoted by saying he has had limited contact with Justin:

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/jacksonville-jag...s-blackmon

 

"But the two have had only minimal contact via text messages because NFL rules prohibit Blackmon from visiting the team's facility while serving an indefinite suspension for his third violation of the league's substance abuse policy."

 

 

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http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/544...s-blackmon

*Bradley said he last traded text messages with receiver Justin Blackmon “a couple of weeks ago.” Blackmon was involved in a single-car accident along Interstate 295 (at 3:30 a.m.) earlier this month and remains suspended by the league.

 

“I wish I could have more extended conversations with him,” Bradley said. “My feelings toward him haven’t changed – I still care about him. We’ve reached out to him and been able to text back and forth. To sit down and visit with him, that part I miss.”

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