Matt Jones Suspended

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

It’s been a really bad season for the Jacksonville Jags. Not only are they playing some of the worst football in their recent history, the Jags are a mess off-the-field as well. Most troubling was when offensive lineman Richard Collier was tragically shot, taking his leg and ending his pro football career. That’s enough to ruin any team’s season. Now, Jag’s top receiver Matt Jones (65 catches, 761 yards, two touchdowns) has been officially suspended by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Head coach Jack Del Rio issued the following brief statement today:

“We have received notice from the league and will move ahead accordingly. We spoke earlier and Matt indicated to me how intent he is on putting this behind him.”

I’m sure coach Del Rio would just as soon see this season be over right now. The Jags have lost four straight and look as uninspired as ever, prompting coach, in his Monday presser, to say “We’re just not functioning at a level that gives us a chance as a football team.” And that explains the 4-9 record. Matt has been one of the few bright spots for the Jags, but off-the-field — well, you know what he did.

For a team that was expected to challenge for the AFC title this season, they have been a monumental disappointment. A housecleaning might be in order starting in January. I really don’t see any other solution for a group of players who have practically no sense of how to play well together.

Source: Jaguars.com, Photo: Newscom