The Oakland Raiders say they did all they could to help quarterback JaMarcus Russell before releasing him two months ago. The Raiders issued a statement on Wednesday, two days after Russell was charged with possession of a controlled substance -- codeine syrup -- after being arrested at his home in Mobile, Ala. "We did all that we could to intervene and assist with a myriad of issues with JaMarcus Russell," the Raiders said in the statement. "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 what the Raiders did or should have done, are reckless, irresponsible and offensive and do a disservice to all concerned, including the public." Russell was arrested Monday as part of an undercover narcotics investigation. Police say he did not have a prescription for the codeine. Mobile County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Lori Myles said the investigation wasn't targeting the former Oakland Raiders quarterback, but his name and home address came up several times. Source: Associated Press
He was a well paid professional athlete. He is a grown man & has to be responsible for his actions. The Raiders have the right to protect their investment but if the person isn't mature enough then the apron strings have to be cut at some point. I see him fading in obscurity; he has little if no self discipline & will never climb out of the rut he dug himself into. Hopefully he doesn't do too much damage to himself.
The thing that looked so bad for him is that he held out for a mega huge contract and then totally flopped. He didnt even care. Its like the Haynesworth thing, heres all this money that could of been used on 3 or 4 good players and then you dont even try...
I remember telling people that I don't like him, but I don't blame him on holding out for the money since everyone and their mother knew (as well as his agent and him) that he was going to flop.
