Barring a failed drug test (which Blount never had), how else can you punish him until he has at least seen his day in court to prove the actual charges took place?
The decision to suspend players who have yet to be charged come from serious violations such as domestic violence (suspected rape = Roethlisberger), some of which are multiple (again = Roethlisberger).
Look at Marshawn Lynch and his DUI case. He had played through 2 seasons without seeing punishment by continuously postponing his hearing/dates.
Ultimately, you're right that Goodell makes his own rules up as he goes along though.
