Quote:Blackmon's drinking issues weren't unknown to us when we drafted him. He had a DUI history coming out of college. We trusted that when he said the drinking wasn't a problem, he meant it.


Back to the stories, I think most of us have heard things about Blake's extracurricular activities. I have a good friend whose daughter is part of the ROAR. She hears all sorts of stories from her daughter that are indicative of a 24 year old single millionaire looking for a good time. Apparently, he's had a "special" relationship with at least one cheerleader, and has had his friends text another one who is engaged to see if she wanted to hook up for a late night booty call.


He's a 24 year old kid with no wife and extensive resources. He's not a saint by any means. Partying is something that wasn't an issue back in the day when guys like Kevin Hardy, Tony Brackens, or a host of other Jag players would host epic parties that became a thing of legends. I don't have a problem with the guys occasionally partying to blow off steam. What I hear quite a bit about Bortles is that he's a fixture at a few bars out at the beach, and was actually closing down a bar on Saturday night before the Raiders game.


Apparently he decided on Sunday night not to indulge because he was the first player in the stadium yesterday morning before 7:00 AM when the players weren't expected to report until 11.

I think drinking the night before an NFL game is alarming (if true) as a fan. And to the extent he is closing down the bar. That is pretty brash as well considering people can take pics and how things spread on social media. And I think, from what we can see, it's effecting his play.


As far as partying, that is fine and dandy. It was what I heard over a period of time and the consistency along with him either being unaware or not caring how public he is making it.


FBT, are you concerned? Do you think it is an issue? Was this the first you heard of him drinking like that before a game? Do you think local media is protecting him? Everyone is trying to figure out what is wrong with him. I'd wager this would be a big reason why.

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