Silver and Black Report

The arrest on Monday of ex Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell should spell the end of his NFL career.

Anyone who saw him play and viewed his ineptness could have proclaimed that. His football prowess was atrocious, Russell had no leadership qualities or desire to be great and ultimately, all he cared about was cashing a check and leaning on that $36.4 million he hoodwinked from Al Davis.

The 24-year old was charged with possession of a controlled substance – codeine syrup – arrested at his home in Alabama. The $2,500 bond was posted per online records and now chatter of what will happen next will begin.

Just recently, reports surfaced that the New York Jets may be interested in taking a look at the bust. Russell’s former passing coach, Tom Martinez, has stated that the former LSU star could still have a chance to strive in this league.

“He was never wanted there [Oakland] by any of the coaches,” Martinez told the New York Times “The only one who wanted him there was Al Davis.”

“With the Jets, they run the ball and that will help him, it will open up the passing game,” Martinez said. “If he gets that and actually has receivers who can get open, then the Jets will have a steal.”

What was a steal was the money Oakland put in his pocket. Russell had no yearning to be a professional when he didn’t have money, why would he now after pocketing a small fortune?

Russell is the classic case of the young athlete who was given too much too fast. He is also the epitome of many new age athletes that look at the wads of money and fast life as the reward for being talents that NFL prospects drool over in trying to find the next savior of an organization. That is their goal; not to be stellar on the field and build a legacy on the field, but to savor the material things and perceived power they may have as public figures.

He wont be the last NFL bust, but he may be undoubtedly the biggest one now.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist