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JaMarcus Russell News & Rumors

JaMarcus Russell must look inward, not outward
October 30
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Scott Ostler
"JaMarcus Russell, in a Sports Illustrated article, comes off as a likable chap, victim of the cruelty and insensitivity of fans and media. I am quoted in the article, although not by name. My line: "Russell has become the poster dude for lethargy, a condition waiting to be clinically approved." The SI author, the very enterprising (seriously) L. Jon Wertheim, writes that Russell's fall "has been accompanied by a level of glee that verges on the creepy." Also that Russell "has become a vessel for every disgruntled fan's bile." I sang in that creepy glee club. Much of what I believe to be good in sports - character, teamwork, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, love of the game - was mocked by"
Russell still showing why he was an NFL washout
October 27
Sacramento Bee
 
"Let me get this straight. JaMarcus Russell was a bust with the Raiders because he has sleep apnea. That's what he'd like us to believe, apparently. Jon Wertheim, a writer for Sports Illustrated, recently journeyed to Russell's hometown of Mobile, Ala., and induced him to sit down for an interview. Most of the discussion, naturally, involved how Russell, after he was picked No. 1 in the 2007 draft, spent three unsightly seasons in Oakland before being cut by the Raiders. In the process, he pocketed more than $30 million. He hasn't caught on with any other NFL team."
JaMarcus Russell: The most maligned figure in football tells his side of the story
October 26
SI.com
 
"From a chair in Maysville Barber Shop in Mobile—where he goes to have his head shaved three or four times a week—JaMarcus Russell tells senior writer L. Jon Wertheim (@jon_wertheim) his side of the story. Russell says that few people are aware of the factors that worked against him during his time with the Oakland Raiders, including: * The death of 11 family members or friends, including uncle and father figure Ray Ray: "I went through so much no one knew about. Go to a funeral on Saturday, fly into the game on Sunday. Then I hear, 'He doesn't lead by example.' Really?" * What Russell regards as being betrayed by then coach Tom Cable: "I stuck my neck out for him. Didn't complain"
Former Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell's tale still sad, mystifying
October 26
Oakland Tribune
 columnist Mark Purdy
"So let me get this straight. JaMarcus Russell was a bust with the Raiders because he has sleep apnea. That's what he'd like us to believe, apparently. Jon Wertheim, a writer for Sports Illustrated, recently journeyed to Russell's hometown of Mobile, Ala., and induced him to sit down for an interview. Naturally, most of the discussion involved how Russell, after he was picked No. 1 in the 2007 draft, spent three unsightly seasons in Oakland before being cut by the Raiders. In the process, he pocketed more than $30 million. He still hasn't caught on with any other NFL team."
Jamarcus Russel, life coach, part ways: Coach "tired of working with an unresponsive Russell"
April 15
ESPN.com
 
"John Lucas is no longer serving as JaMarcus Russell's "life coach," Yahoo! Sports reported Thursday. Lucas and Russell, who was released by the Oakland Raiders in May, had been working together since September in an attempt to get the quarterback into shape to return to the NFL. But the 6-foot-6 Russell lost motivation after initially working hard, and Lucas tired of working with an unresponsive Russell, the website reported. NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley -- who, like Russell, is from Alabama -- also tried to motivate the quarterback to no avail. "The title of your article should be, 'It's Over,'" a source told Yahoo! Sports. "It's just amazing that you could say that about somebody"
Sources: 'Life coach' gives up on QB Russell
April 14
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Nearly four years after JaMarcus Russell became the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, his playing career may have completely bottomed out after "life coach" John Lucas asked Russell to leave Houston recently, two sources close to the quarterback told Yahoo! Sports. Russell, 25, and Lucas had been working together since September in hopes of getting Russell into shape for a return to the NFL. The aforementioned sources say Russell, released by the Oakland Raiders last May, initially worked hard, but quickly lost motivation. Recently Lucas tired of trying to get Russell, the top pick in 2007, to respond to instruction and assistance. Lucas did not return several phone messages left for"
Skins look at Russell
November 3
Washington Examiner
 
"It sounded like a big deal. It's likely business as usual. But it's also not every day that a former top pick in the draft works out for the Redskins, especially two days after the franchise quarterback was benched. But the Redskins work out players every Tuesday — and have even more in than usual during the bye week. It just so happened that this time JaMarcus Russell was in town, one of approximately 10 players on the field around noon. More often than not, these workouts are described as fact-finding missions for the future and rarely result in finding immediate help. Oakland released Russell in May after three seasons, with his work ethic among the major issues. He has spent the past"
Former Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell to work out for Redskins
November 2
USA Today
 
"As if there wasn't enough controversy swirling around the Redskins' quarterback situation, the team worked out former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell on Tuesday. The former Oakland Raiders QB, drafted first overall in 2007, Russell has been training with former NBA coach John Lucas in Houston in recent months amid efforts to get a second chance in the NFL. The Raiders released Russell in May, shortly after acquiring QB Jason Campbell from the Redskins over NFL draft weekend."
Former LSU, Raiders quarterback Jamarcus Russell admits codeine use
August 14
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"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."
JaMarcus Russell's exit not cure-all for Oakland Raiders
July 29
Oakland Tribune
 columnist Monte Poole
"Too big to hide and too slow to get out of the way, he was an easy target. Too indifferent to respond, he was the convenient explanation. With so many bad habits, on and off the field, JaMarcus Russell embodied the ills of the Raiders. Losing him would open the door to success. By that logic, then, dumping the big bust means winning time has arrived. As atrocious as Russell was, though, the Raiders won't do much winning if their only appreciable upgrade is swapping him for Jason Campbell at quarterback. When the Raiders take the field today for their first training-camp practice, they do so as Campbell's team. The new quarterback enters a honeymoon period that should last at least 45 days,"
Ex-Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell pleads not guilty to drug charge
July 21
Oakland Tribune
 
"Ex-Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell pleaded not guilty Tuesday morning to a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance. Russell, who was accompanied in Alabama state court by his mother, declined to speak with reporters after being given a preliminary hearing date of Aug. 11. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft was arrested in Mobile on July 5 and was charged with possession of codeine syrup without a prescription. Russell was allegedly caught with a narcotic commonly referred to as "Purple Drank" or "Sizzurp," a concoction of codeine syrup mixed with soda and Jolly Ranchers candy. Russell, one of the NFL's biggest draft busts who was released in May by the"
JaMarcus Russell pleads not guilty to drug charge
July 20
USA Today
 
"JaMarcus Russell pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of a controlled substance Tuesday morning in Mobile, Ala. Russell was arrested July 5 when police discovered one bottle of codeine syrup during a search of his Mobile home by a county sheriff's narcotics team. Police said Russell did not have a prescription for the drug. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 11. The Mobile Press-Register reports that Russell, dressed in a black suit decorated with his initials, did not answer questions from reporters, though his attorney hinted at the former Oakland quarterback's return to football."
Raiders' statement on Russell
July 8
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Raiders issued a statement to The Chronicle and Associated Press on Wednesday afternoon, saying they did all they could to help quarterback JaMarcus Russell before releasing him two months ago. Russell was charged Monday with possession of a controlled substance - codeine syrup - after being arrested at his home in Mobile, Ala. The team says it tried to intervene in a "myriad" of issues surrounding Russell. Here is the statement: "We did all we could to intervene and assist with a myriad of issues with JaMarcus Russell. NFL policy restricts our ability to comment publicly at this time. "Therefore, those in the media who declare what the Raiders knew or should have known, or did or"
Raiders claim in statement that team made numerous attempts to assist JaMarcus Russell
July 8
Oakland Tribune
 
"The Raiders released a statement Wednesday saying they did address numerous issues concerning former quarterback JaMarcus Russell over the past three-plus years. "We did all that we could to intervene and assist with a myriad of issues with JaMarcus Russell," the Raiders said in a statement posted on their website. The Raiders didn't acknowledge any of the issues. Russell was guilty of showing up late for meetings and exceeding the prescribed weight limit during his three seasons with the Raiders."
Raiders could stand to learn a lesson from JaMarcus Russell situation
July 7
San Jose Mercury News
 columnist Mark Purdy
"JaMarcus Russell has swallowed his own medicine. In more ways than one. After his arrest this week in Alabama on suspicion of possession of codeine syrup that often is used to make a narcotic "purple drank," the former Raiders quarterback will be playing defense. In court. But at what juncture do you also point a finger at the Raiders themselves? For drafting, nurturing and enabling Russell? For three years? To the tune of $39 million? When arrested, Russell wasn't on the Raiders' roster. He had been cut in May. But only a fool would believe that Russell never sipped any "purple drank" during his time with the Raiders. Medical experts say that one symptom of "purple drank" is significant"
Jets should be hands off with QB JaMarcus Russell
July 7
Bergen Record
 
"The Jets reportedly made a preliminary inquiry about former Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell last month. They don't figure to be calling about him anymore, but if they do, they could find out about him from another source - the Mobile (Ala.) County Sheriff's department. Russell was arrested Monday at his Alabama home and charged with possession of a controlled substance. He had cough syrup with codeine, and according to authorities it was obtained without a prescription."
There's plenty of shame -- and blame -- surrounding former Raider JaMarcus Russell
July 7
Oakland Tribune
 columnist Monte Poole
"Identified and selected to lead the rescue of the deteriorating Raiders, JaMarcus Russell came to Oakland as the designated franchise quarterback, a $40 million investment and, conceivably, a drug user. Yet Russell, above all, is a human being. Maybe the human aspect got lost in the football, obscured by the fumbles and interceptions and losses and finger-pointing and owner-vs.-coach beefs. Russell's demons were with him all along. If they weren't rattling about his head when he reached Oakland, they stalked him from the instant he joined the Raiders family. If he lacked the courage to admit those demons, or the desire and will to confront them, shame on JaMarcus. Shame on the Raiders,"
JaMarcus Russell case part of undercover sting
July 7
USA Today
 
"JaMarcus Russell's latest tribulation — a charge that he possessed a controlled substance in Alabama this week — could involve a powerful beverage that bubbled up from the underground Houston rap scene a decade ago and appears to be gaining momentum in popular culture. For the NFL, that means a measure of concern because the case regarding the former Oakland Raiders quarterback is not the first involving codeine and allegations regarding a current or past player. Russell, released by the Raiders in May, posted bail and is scheduled to appear in court July 20 in Mobile after being charged with possession of codeine syrup on Monday. The Mobile County sheriff's office said Russell was"
Russell accused of illegal codeine possession
July 6
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Former Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell was arrested at his home in Mobile, Ala., on Monday afternoon and charged with possession of codeine syrup - a controlled substance. Mobile County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Lori Myles told the Mobile Press-Register that Russell was arrested during an undercover investigation. Police did not find a prescription for the codeine during their search. Although other people were on the property, Russell was the only one arrested. He was booked into Mobile Metro Jail at 4:22 p.m. and released minutes later after making $2,500 bail. Russell is scheduled to appear in court July 20. The Raiders released Russell, 24, in May after the No. 1 overall draft"
Free agent QB JaMarcus Russell no longer on Jets' radar after arrest
July 6
New York Daily News
 
"JaMarcus Russell effectively eliminated himself from becoming a Jet any time this millennium with his latest bonehead move. The free agent quarterback was arrested at his Alabama home today for possession of a controlled substance during a police investigation. The former Raiders signal caller was busted for codeine syrup, which can be mixed with soda to create "Purple Drank." (Russell didn't have a prescription for codeine). He posted $2,500 bail and is due in court on July 20."
Former Oakland Raider JaMarcus Russell is arrested
July 6
Oakland Tribune
 
"Former Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell was arrested Monday at his home in Mobile, Ala., for possession of a controlled substance. The arrest for possession of codeine syrup came as part of an undercover investigation, Mobile County Sheriff Office spokeswoman Lori Myles told the (Mobile) Press-Register. Russell, 24, was booked into the Mobile Metro jail Monday afternoon. He was released a short time later after posting $2,500 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court July 20. A bond hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. Russell and his agent, Eric Metz, did not respond to requests for comment. Raiders officials could not be reached for comment. According to several medical websites,"
JaMarcus Russell arrested for possession of controlled substance
July 5
Press-Register
 
"Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell was arrested today for possession of a controlled substance, according to the Mobile County Sheriff's Office. The substance was codeine syrup, spokeswoman Lori Myles said. Myles said Russell was arrested at his home early this afternoon during an undercover investigation. He was booked into Mobile Metro Jail at 4:22 p.m. Russell was released minutes later after making $2,500 bail, according to online records."
Report: Jets make call on JaMarcus
June 30
New York Post
 
"The Jets have made a cursory phone call about former Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, ESPN.com reports. The former No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft was released by Oakland in May, and the Jets seemingly have a need for a backup quarterback, with Kellen Clemens and Erik Ainge behind Mark Sanchez. The report says the call is part of GM Mike Tannenbaum's strategy to investigate every available player. It lists the Cardinals and Vikings as Russell's most likely destinations. Russell is considered one of the all-time draft busts after being selected out of LSU in 2007, getting $39 million for seven wins in 25 starts, according to ESPN. Rex Ryan's twin brother Rob was defensive"
Jets interested in JaMarcus Russell?
June 29
ESPN.com
 
"When he was hired in 2006, GM Mike Tannenbaum vowed to look under every rock in an effort to procure talent. That apparently includes discarded boulders. Sources say the Jets have checked under the JaMarcus Russell rock. The Jets are interested in acquiring a veteran quarterback before training camp and, while sources maintain that free agent Mark Brunell remains the odds-on favorite, the team isn't ignoring other options. And one player they're monitoring is the former Oakland Raiders bust, who was cut recently after reportedly ballooning to 300 pounds, give or take a buffet."
Late-arriving Russell hears it from fans
June 21
Oakland Tribune
 
"It couldn't be, it shouldn't be, but it was. If on some level I thought the Andre Ward-Allan Green WBA super middleweight title fight would be a temporary diversion from all things Raider, I was wrong. Unlike the last Ward fight, which took place during the season in November, there wasn't a Raider to be found at or around ringside Saturday night at Oracle Arena. Then, with Ward having his way with Green throughout to the thunderous cheers of the home crowd, came a familiar figure. Walking right past the press area where I sat near the aisle with columnist Monte Poole, I looked up as Ward was doing his work and saw . . . JaMarcus Russell. He was wearing a University of Alabama red leather"
Oakland Raiders fans truly the aggrieved in Al Davis-JaMarcus Russell case
June 2
Oakland Tribune
 columnist Gary Peterson
"Al Davis' grievance against JaMarcus Russell, in which he seeks to reclaim $9.55 million paid the quarterback during his time with the Raiders, is a fascinating study. While the grievance is based on the team's assertion that the money was an advance against future salary, it seems safe to assume it was inspired by Russell's woeful play. So while the upcoming hearing is ostensibly about contractual clauses and guaranteed money, it's not difficult to imagine the proceedings degenerating into ritual finger-pointing. It's easier still when you have First Court of Surreal at your disposal. As the proceedings begin, an arbiter is taking his seat behind a large oak desk. Davis, resplendent in a"
Oakland Raiders look petulant in seeking refund from JaMarcus Russell
May 29
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 columnist John DeShazier
"The Oakland Raiders want back some of the money they paid JaMarcus Russell, alleging that the former LSU quarterback owes the organization $9.55 million, money he was given that was earmarked for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 seasons. And if you're thinking it's near impossible to believe a franchise - particularly, a franchise that historically has been as frugal as the Raiders - would give a player a $9.55 million advance on his pay, well, your thinking makes a lot of sense. At best, the Raiders are looking a tad vindictive toward the top overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. Yes, Russell's stay with the Raiders was nothing less than a disaster. He bombed, and he bombed badly. The Raiders were"
Raiders file grievance to recoup some of millions paid to JaMarcus Russell.
May 29
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"The long-running miniseries continues about the $39.4-million man, JaMarcus Russell. According to a report by Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports, the Raiders have filed a grievance to get back some of that money. The Raiders, of course, did not explain their legal position, only saying that they're trying to retrieve some of their former quarterback's windfall. As for Russell's representatives, they have said there's no basis for recovery. Thus, the lines have been drawn. I have documented the money in this contract a few times, starting in December when Russell was benched in favor or Charlie Frye. He is, of course, the poster child for what's wrong with the rookie compensation system, a system"
Grievance filed against Russell
May 28
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Raiders confirmed Thursday that they have filed a grievance against former quarterback JaMarcus Russell in an effort to get back $9.55 million of the $39 million they paid him. The Raiders say the contract was changed at one point and that he's not allowed to keep all the money he collected before his May 6 release. Oakland contends that some of the money was actually an advance on his salaries for the upcoming three seasons. Not so, Russell's agent said. "The money in question was fully guaranteed. That is why JaMarcus was forced to hold out and miss all of training camp as a rookie," Eric Metz told Yahoo! Sports. "The Raiders know that and this is our only comment." Russell, the No."
Oakland Raiders file grievance against ex-quarterback JaMarcus Russell seeking return of $9.55 million
May 28
Contra Costa Times
 
"The JaMarcus Russell saga isn't over yet, as the Raiders have filed a grievance with the NFL seeking $9.55 million of the more than $39 million the quarterback received during his three-year tenure with the team. The Raiders confirmed the grievance filing to Yahoo! Sports, which first reported the story Thursday afternoon. Raiders officials referred all questions to team attorney Jeff Birren, who told Yahoo! Sports: "We have filed a grievance against JaMarcus Russell and that's all we're going to say at this time." Russell's agent, Eric Metz, didn't respond to an e-mail or return a phone call seeking comment for this story. Russell could not be reached for comment. Metz told Yahoo! Sports"
Period of silence for Russell
May 21
Yahoo! Sports
 
"While the debate continues whether recently dumped Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell(notes) is the biggest bust in NFL draft history, don't expect the former No. 1 pick to defend himself publicly anytime soon. For one, Russell headed to Arizona this week to start losing weight, according to two sources close to the player. Apparently, Russell is again more than 300 pounds and is looking to drop at least 25 before trying to sign with another franchise to revive his moribund career. Second, Russell isn't planning to do any interviews anytime soon because, well, there's nothing he can really say that's going to sound good to anyone around the NFL. "If he complains about how he was"
Bengals interested in Former Oakland quarterback Russell
May 12
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"After three miserable seasons that consisted of just 18 touchdown passes, 38 turnovers and over $39 million of Al Davis' money wasted, former No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell is a man without a team. However, despite all of the reports regarding a poor work ethic and inability to assume a leadership role, there are some teams that may be interested in adding Russell to their roster. It appears the Cincinnati Bengals-who have yet to find a character flaw they didn't like-may be interested. Per NFL.com's Jason La Canfora, the Bengals are one of the teams that have contacted Russell's representatives. La Canfora reports that while nothing is imminent, the Bengals could be a potential landing spot"
Has JaMarcus found a new home?
May 12
Oakland Tribune
 
"The Cincinnati Bengals long have been a haven for misfits, players of questionable character and those who run afoul of the law. So, perhaps it should come as no surprise that the Bengals have been linked to Raiders cast-off quarterback JaMarcus Russell. We must caution you that the source of this information is, um, a tad shaky and questionable. The news comes from Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, the player who doesn't even realize that his changed last name means "eight five" and not eighty five, his jersey number. "Jamarcus Russel, you on twitter, if not its cool ill see you in #minicamp , ooopsss, did I just leak that info #ocnn," Ochocinco tweeted, twittered or something along"
Bengals one of several teams looking at Russell
May 12
Cincinnati Enquirer
 (scroll down)
"Lewis said that the Bengals are still not done making changes to the roster. They have been one of several teams who have called about the recently released JaMarcus Russell, and Lewis said the team remains hopeful about re-signing tight end Reggie Kelly. "We're still working hard with Reggie. Reggie and I talk every day," Lewis said. "I'd like to have Reggie Kelly back on our football team and we're trying to get Reggie back. Hopefully it gets worked out pretty ... in pretty short order. But no, we're not done. We'll keep continuing to look if there's someone who has a chance to come in here and compete and make us better, we'll continue to do that." Russell's agent, Ethan Lock, issued a"
Can Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman learn from JaMarcus Russell's mistakes?
May 11
St. Petersburg Times
 
"There are lessons to be learned in the graveyard. There are clues to be found in the wreckage. Even now that the career of JaMarcus Russell has been pronounced dead, there are still things to find out from the autopsy. Hello, Josh Freeman. Are you listening? Most of the time, we expect the young quarterbacks of the NFL to learn from success stories. Take notes from the masters. Study the stars. That sort of thing. How did Peyton Manning attack that defense? What was Tom Brady thinking on third and 3? What drills did Drew Brees use to get his accuracy? And so on. Sometimes, however, a quarterback can find direction from a lost career. Sometimes, he can learn from those who never could. It's"
Russell's millions argue for rookie salary cap
May 9
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Gwen Knapp
"Coming to an NFL souvenir shop near you: a black knit ski hat that commemorates the end of both an unfortunate era in Oakland and an albatross for the league's owners. Stitched into the fabric will be the words: "The JaMarcus Russell Rookie Salary Cap." The case for limiting rookie salaries has been made repeatedly over the last decade, as the very item intended to lift up a struggling franchise - a high draft pick - often pinned clubs down for years if they lost a bet on a 21-year-old. Russell's horrendous three years with the Raiders and the immense rancor that accompanied the quarterback's release on Thursday should end the debate permanently. The Players Association, of course, has"
Saints aren't interested in signing quarterback JaMarcus Russell
May 9
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"The New Orleans Saints don't appear to have any interest in quarterback JaMarcus Russell now that he's on the open market. Although the former LSU standout and No. 1 overall draft pick has great natural talent and potential, he wouldn't be an ideal fit for the Saints' offensive system - not to mention the fact that he might be looking for a place where he can compete for a starting job in the near future. "I don't think (we'd consider signing him) right now, with where we're at," Saints Coach Sean Payton said Saturday. "I know he's gonna look for that next opportunity, and our league usually provides that. ... And certainly anytime the first pick of the draft is released after three years,"
Home folk rally to Russell's defense
May 8
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"JaMarcus Russell is still big in the South (and, no, we're not setting up a joke that he's big everywhere). The former Raiders quarterback, cut on Thursday, was the Mardi Gras king in his hometown of Mobile, Ala., in January, and several of his former college and high school coaches came to his defense Friday. "I hear he was lazy, and I didn't know that JaMarcus," said Florida State coach Jumbo Fisher, who was Russell's offensive coordinator at LSU. "He did everything we asked him and more." Russell, the 2007 No. 1 overall draft pick, cleared waivers Friday and is free to sign with any team - presumably for close to the veteran's minimum of $620,000. The Raiders, already out $39 million,"
Parting shots at JaMarcus Russell come at big cost
May 8
Contra Costa Times
 columnist Carl Steward
"Darting here and there ... i Good thing there's a cap on unemployment insurance. Yikes, can you imagine the checks that JaMarcus Russell would be getting at the state's expense if there wasn't? i Revising a classic line from former Giants baseball GM Al Rosen and applying it to Russell: $39.4 million body, 10-cent head. Actually, from the outset in 2007, a lot of people didn't think there was dime's worth there. i I didn't believe anybody could ever top Chris Washburn, one of the Bay Area's biggest draft bombs. Washburn celebrated his first big payday by having flame decals installed on both sides of a new Mercedes. Russell didn't even require the Mercedes. i Just to set the record"
NFL should adopt 'JaMarcus Rule' for rookies
May 8
Contra Costa Times
 columnist Gary Peterson
"As a competitive endeavor, JaMarcus Russell's tenure with the Raiders was almost unwatchable. One eye patch? Try two. Considered in a sociological context, it delivers a powerful message: When you hand a young man an unthinkable amount of money for something he might do for you at some point, you get what you pay (and pay, and pay) for. Long-term contracts have been a talking point in professional sports dating back to Babe Ruth's peak earning years. And they have always been a gamble. They became even more problematic when the Me Generation came of age at the dawn of free agency. Sometimes they work out. In December 1992, the Giants' new owners signed Barry Bonds to a six-year, $43.75"
Russell never had a chance
May 7
Contra Costa Times
 columnist Jerry McDonald
"Let's dispense with the obvious. JaMarcus Russell bears much of the blame for his demise as an NFL quarterback. By most accounts, he didn't work hard enough, didn't care enough, didn't love football, and had a schedule of extracurricular activities that would make even the young Charles Woodson envious. He entered the realm of professionals without ever committing to be a professional. If you want to get sanctimonious about it, Russell is what's wrong with so many of today's young athletes. A huge sense of entitlement. A me-first way of thinking. One wonders what he's going to do with that diamond encrusted figurine of himself in a Raiders uniform with the words "The Chosen One." Change it"
JaMarcus Russell's release means Liberation Day for him, Raiders
May 7
Contra Costa Times
 columnist Cam Inman
"The Raiders officially gave up on quarterback JaMarcus Russell on Thursday, more than six months after he became an outcast among his own teammates, and deservingly so. The No. 1 pick overall in the 2007 draft is now will spend whatever career he has left to challenge Ryan Leaf, No. 2 overall in the 1998 draft, as the NFL's biggest bust ever. Russell has better numbers than Leaf, at least in terms of statistics and money accrued. And Russell, at age 24, still has time to find another team - as well as long-lost motivation to properly use his talented arm. Russell showed up at Friday's minicamp in impressive form. It was a mirage. Or it was not enough to convince Al Davis"
Oakland Raiders release quarterback JaMarcus Russell
May 7
Contra Costa Times
 
"The Raiders quietly confirmed the release of JaMarcus Russell Thursday to the Associated Press, with no statement other than spokesman John Herrera saying, ``We wish him well.''Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft out of LSU, was due $9.45 million this season, with the Raiders still reportedly on the hook for $3 million.In all, the Raiders spent approximately $39 million for seven wins in 25 starts, a 52.1 completion percentage, 18 touchdown passes, 23 interceptions, 15 lost fumbles and a passer rating of 65.2.Given that Russell was the No. 1 overall pick, he is arguably the biggest draft bust in NFL history, surpassing San Diego's Ryan Leaf, the No. 2 pick behind Peyton"
JaMarcus Russell goes from bust with Oakland Raiders to potential bargain for another NFL team
May 7
Contra Costa Times
 
"History suggests JaMarcus Russell will get another opportunity to be an NFL quarterback but that it's unlikely he ever will approach his level of promise as a premium selection in the draft. Russell, cut by the Raiders on Thursday, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft. He was due a $9.45 million this season, according to NFL Players Association figures, with a reported $3 million guaranteed. In the amount of time it took the Raiders to place his name on the transaction wire, Russell went from dramatically overpaid to a potential bargain. Unless prospective employers are aware of issues that go far beyond football, Russell's phone should ring fairly soon. "Based on his college"
Raiders cutting Russell is another encouraging sign
May 7
Sacramento Bee
 
"For about 45 minutes of Saturday afternoon's minicamp practice in Alameda, Al Davis observed from the comfort of his golf cart. He was briefly parked on the west sideline, then on the east. Well before the scrimmage ended, the Raiders owner had his driver take him back to the main building. He stood there for what seemed an eternity, gazing longingly at his life's work. He exhaled and turned away. Davis had seen enough. The Raiders cutting JaMarcus Russell on Thursday is the latest positive move in a decidedly encouraging offseason, especially since Davis swallowed not only some $39 million to the biggest draft bust in NFL history but some pride in admitting a mistake."
Russell should teach NFL a lesson
May 7
Buffalo News
 columnist Allen Wilson
"JaMarcus Russell sure fit the NFL prototype for a quarterback. Great size, arm like a howitzer, mobile and athletic. He was too good to be true. Of course, you know what they say about something being too good to be true. The Oakland Raiders released Russell on Thursday, ending an embarrassing three-year reign of error. With Jason Campbell on board via a trade with the Washington Redskins, the Raiders didn't need Russell anymore. But even if Campbell never came to Oakland, it was time for Russell to go. It usually takes three years to find out if a player has it or not, so Russell had ample time to prove he could play. Guess what? He can't play. So it's now official. Russell is one of the"
Oakland Raiders release QB JaMarcus Russell, No. 1 pick in 2007 NFL draft
May 7
New York Daily News
 
"Move over Ryan Leaf, you're no longer the biggest bust in NFL draft history. JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, was released by the Raiders Thursday, leaving with only seven wins as a starter and over $39M. Senior executive John Herrera told The Associated Press the move was made Thursday - two weeks after the Raiders traded for Washington's Jason Campbell - and that "we wish him well." In 2007, Russell led LSU to a 12-2 record and a win over Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl, where he was the MVP."
End of an error: Russell Era Done in Oakland
May 7
Contra Costa Times
 
"The great ones make it look easy. And so we bid a fond farewell to JaMarcus Russell, who in little more than three calendar years established himself as the most despised, unproductive, disinterested, uncommitted, overpaid, unmotivated, scandalously inept bust of an athlete ever to hang a shingle in the Bay Area. His time here ended Thursday when the Oakland Raiders released the would-be franchise quarterback after paying him $39 million for three seasons (at $13 million per), seven wins ($5.6 million per) in 25 starts ($1.56 million per), 18 touchdowns ($2.17 million per), 23 interceptions (a bargain at $1.7 million per) and the kind of memories money can't buy. He was a flaming"
For the Raiders, five's a crowd at QB
May 3
Sacramento Bee
 
"Take it for what it's worth, but with the Raiders concluding their mandatory three-day, five practice mini-camp Sunday, coach Tom Cable insists there is a wide-open, five-man quarterback competition under way. "I mean, I've said that now for quite some time," Cable said. "So that's what it is, and that's how we're going to do it." Should be great news to - in no particular order - the recently-acquired Jason Campbell, the recently-signed Kyle Boller, former face of the franchise JaMarcus Russell, the injured folk hero Bruce Gradkowski and the gutty veteran Charlie Frye, right? There are three former first-rounders in the bunch. They've all been unquestioned starters. Their combined record"