Quote:The eight-game suspension strongly suggests, based on the language of the substance-abuse policy, that the penalty was the result of a negotiation between the NFL and the NFLPA.


Blackmon, as we understand it, was in Stage 3 of the league’s substance-abuse program. Violation of the policy while in Stage Three ordinarily results in a banishment with the ability to re-apply after a calendar year. The union and/or Blackmon’s representatives apparently persuaded the league to trim the return date in half.


Still, Blackmon must remain clean throughout his suspension, since he remains subject to unannounced testing up to 10 times per month. Any further slip-ups will make it harder for him to secure reinstatement in 2014.