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Justin Blackmon pleads no contest to misdemeanor

Suspended Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Justin Blackmon pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of marijuana possession on Thursday, according to The Oklahoman.

Blackmon was arrested July 23 when police pulled over the troubled receiver for a traffic violation and found an odor of marijuana emanating from his vehicle. Blackmon admitted to smoking in the vehicle while driving.

Blackmon was suspended indefinitely by the league without pay for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse in November 2013. He also was previously arrested twice for driving under the influence.

Blackmon's plea would allow the charges to be dropped to a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct should he not commit any crimes over the next six months.

Blackmon's attorney Robert Gray told The Oklahoman that Blackmon recently completed a drug rehabilitation program.

"I don't anticipate (Blackmon) having any problems," Gray told the newspaper. "He's going back to training and hopefully looks forward to reinstatement."

Jaguars owner Shad Khan previously said in July that the team wouldn't cut ties with the embattled receiver. Thursday's plea and aforementioned rehab stint are both positive steps towards Blackmon one day returning to the field.

Blackmon was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2012 draft and flashed brilliance on the field in his rookie campaign, compiling 865 yards and 5 touchdowns on 64 catches. In just four games in his sophomore season, Blackmon totaled 415 yards and a touchdown on 29 catches before his year was cut short by suspension.