The Oakland Raiders issued a statement to the Associated Press on Wednesday regarding their ex-quarterback, JaMarcus Russell.
Russell, who was charged Monday with possession of a controlled substance, after being arrested at his home in Alabama, is widely regarded as one the league’s biggest draft bust; a player that amassed $36.4 million by the Silver & Black during his tenure.
The statement read:
“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 should have done, are reckless, irresponsible and offensive and do a disservice to all concerned, including the public.”
The number one overall choice in the 2007 draft was arrested as part of a two-month undercover narcotics investigation.
Oakland filed a grievance seeking nearly $10 million from the former LSU star. “We have filed a grievance against JaMarcus Russell and that’s all we’re going to say at this time,” Raiders attorney Jeff Birren said.
Part of the guaranteed $32 million was originally in the form of salary advances for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 seasons. The Raiders contend that the contract was altered at one point during Russell’s three-year stint with the club and that he’s not allowed to keep all of the money he had collected prior to his May 7 release.
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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
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