"Former LSU quarterback and No. 1 overall draft pick Jamarcus Russell, in his first public comments made since being released by the Oakland Raiders in May, admitted to ESPN's Colleen Dominquez that he tested positive for codeine after he was picked in the 2007 draft.

In the interview, Russell said he used codeine without a prescription, but denied he had a drug problem. He was arrested at his Alabama home in July for alleged possession of codeine.

Last month, the 24-year-old Russell pleaded not guilty to the charge. Russell, a prep star in Mobile, is free on $2,500 bond. "