The Raiders' grievance with JaMarcus Russell is one that many in the league who write contracts feel they have no chance of winning. They want $9.5 million back from the former top overall pick and argument is based on the fact that the contract was altered during the former LSU's rocky three years with the team. They tried to get Russell to give money back before they cut him - on the grounds he was a bust. Russell was not good, but a guaranteed contract is a guaranteed contract, even in Raiders land. Russell will be defended by the NFL Players Association. Russell's agent, Eric Metz, responded to the grievance with the following remarks: "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. The Raiders know that and this is our only comment." Source: National Football Post
Unless Russell violated any part of his contract, I don't see how the Raiders can win this case either. Yeah, he didn't earn the money he was paid but the Raiders want $9.5 million back because he was a bust? Ummm NO.
