During the Jaguars’ “State of the Franchise” presentation and afterward, owner Shad Khan addressed several topics.
Some of the highlights:
* Khan called the situation involving receiver Justin Blackmon “an absolute tragedy.” Blackmon remains suspended indefinitely by the NFL (he has been since November) and the Jaguars have even cleaned out his locker – quarterback Stephen Morris is now in stall. (The team is accurate in saying they have 90 stalls for 90 players and Blackmon isn't one of those 90 players currently).
"I have a hard time expressing [thoughts]," Khan said. "I'm a parent myself. I've met his parents. I think he's such a talented guy. But after awhile, it's out of your control."
* Khan wouldn’t speculate on when the NFL would approach him and the Jaguars about extending the one-game-a-year London arrangement, but said it wouldn’t surprise him if a conversation happens in the next year.
* Khan wouldn’t go into much detail about how he intends to get Fulham FC back into the Premier League (they were relegated last week), but said ticket prices at Craven Cottage would remain the same and the club’s sponsorship renewals are 100 percent.
* Khan said general manager Dave Caldwell told him “quite some time ago,” the Jaguars would be draftin quarterback Blake Bortles with the third overall pick.
Related: More coverage from the State of the Franchise event
Some of Khan’s comments from the podium …
“When it’s all said and done, we are a football team and what gives me great pleasure is what we’re building that’s really special under the leadership of Dave and Gus.”
“The energy in the city, the energy in the stadium, I’ve been here a little over two years and I notice the difference every day I’m here.”
“We have a lot of challenges ahead of us, but we feel we’ve accomplished a lot. We’re on the right track. I can tell you our brand statement – ‘Proud. Bold. Committed,’ is something we’re living every day – on the field and off the field and we’re seeing the results.”
More updates later ...