Silver and Black Report

Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell is facing foreclosure on his bay area mansion.

The estimated $3 million property was purchased by the former no. one overall selection in 2007 before he signed a six-year deal worth up to $68 million and $31.5 million in guarantees.

Russell earned $36.4 million while with the Raiders, producing only seven wins as a starter.

The former LSU star was charged last July with possession of a controlled substance – codeine syrup – as he was arrested at his home in Alabama.

There has been little interest in his services since Oakland released him. The Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL took a look, there were rumors about the Buffalo Bills possibly mulling over scenarios to bring him in and the Washington Redskins in November worked him out.

The New Orleans Saints nixed any notions of inking Russell some time ago.

“I don’t think [we'd consider signing him] right now, with where we’re at,” Saints head coach Sean Payton said.  “I’m sure he’s going to look for that other opportunity and our league usually provides that. Certainly, any time the first pick of the draft after three years is released, it’s newsworthy, and that next opportunity for him is going to be important.

“Outside of that, I really haven’t had a chance to study him a lot.”

Last July, the Raiders released a statement that 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 5,800-square-foot mansion, with six bedrooms and six bathrooms, four fireplaces and four-car garage could be auctioned if Russell does not come up with $195,512.05 in backed mortgage payments.

EX-RAIDER CHARGED

Anthony Smith, 43, who played defensive end for the Raiders from 1991-to-1998, is one of three men charged in the killing of 31-year old Maurilio Ponce.

Smith was arrested earlier in the week and was being held on $1 million bail, per district attorney spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons.

The former 11^th overall selection in the 1990 draft tallied 57.5 career sacks. Upon being drafted by the Silver & Black, Smith stated, “The team fits my personality and style of play. I’m like a free spirit, with a hard-core, hell-bent-for-leather attitude towards playing.”

Smith had a history of knee problems and played at three colleges before entering the pros. “I’m really shocked I was picked on the first round.”

He continued: “I had no idea when I would be picked, but I knew who would pick me.”

BURRESS A RAIDER?

ESPN’s Bill Williamson kicked around the idea of jailed wide receiver Plaxico Burress possibly landing in Oakland. The former New York Giants playmaker will be released from prison in June and his agent has already talked about Burress playing in 2011.

Williamson stated: “There has long been speculation that the Oakland Raiders could sign Burress. But I’m not so sure. I certainly don’t think Burress should be a top target in Oakland. He’ll be 34 before the season starts, he missed more than two seasons and his productivity was declining before he went to prison. I think Oakland can find better veteran receiving options in free agency, assuming it will begin before Burress is released from jail. The only way I see Burress being a fit in Oakland is if the Raiders have another veteran option on the roster and it is a short, team-friendly contract.”

I can’t see the Raiders bringing in Burress or any other veteran receiver at this point.

It’s a matter of numbers, and facts are, Darrius Heyward-Bey will play. The owner will demand that, as he still believes the speedster can contribute and be a downfield threat. Louis Murphy, albeit inconsistent, is fiery and has shown glimpses of being a serviceable receiver. He needs to be more reliable and mature in every aspect of his game. Chaz Schilens is a staff favorite, but is always injured. When he is healthy, the likelihood of him playing is high. And then there was last year’s revelation, Jacoby Ford, who is a favorite of Hue Jackson’s and will be incorporated into the offense more. Oakland won’t take away reps from their youth, and more importantly, bring in a commanding veteran who may rattle Jason Campbell with demands for more touches.

LOCKOUT EFFECT

According to CSN Bay Area reporter Matt Maiocco, NFL clubs have routinely included ‘lockout clauses’ in the contracts of coaches to provide ownership  financial protection.

His article reports: “The standard contract for Raiders coaches includes a 33-percent reduction in salary after 90 days of a work stoppage, Kennan said. After six months, the Raiders will begin deducting 50 percent from coaches’ paycheck. The Raiders also declined comment.”

Per Larry Kennan, executive director of the NFL Coaches Association, the 49ers and the Raiders generally rank below the top teams when it comes to how they treat their coaches. Kennan said the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens are among the teams with the best reputations for working with assistant coaches.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Marques Tuiasosopo was taken in the 2nd round by the Oakland Raiders

ESPN’s NFL draft expert Todd McShay answered one question regarding each team in the AFC West in a blog. He gave insight on what prospects may be a good fit for the Oakland Raiders at quarterback.

Here’s the excerpt:

“They have other needs, but if there is a guy like [Nevada’s] Colin Kaepernick is there in the third round, that could be a good fit. He has a big arm that the Raiders like. [TCU’s] Andy Dalton isn’t a perfect fit because of his arm, but it’s good enough. He could be a fit in the third round. I tell you what, [Arkansas’] Ryan Mallett could easily fall all the way down to No. 48. Oakland would have to think about it. He has the big arm. He is a risk, but he is an incredible value at No. 48.”

Here’s a look at the quarterbacks selected by the Raiders in recent memory:

JaMarcus Russell (1^st round 2007)

One of the biggest busts in league history.

Andrew Walter (3^rd round 2005)

Was best known for taking a beating during the 2006 season, behind a horrific offensive line.

Ronald Curry (7^th round 2002)

Drafted as a passer, converted into a serviceable wide receiver.

Marques Tuiasosopo (2^nd round 2001)

Career back-up who never got a shot to lead the Silver & Black. Had a chance to start in 2003, but sustained knee injury versus Lions.

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Hue Jackson has insisted that he’s happy with the current crop of targets on the Silver & Black, but you have to wonder what would have been going through the Raiders’ mind this morning if they had a selection in the first round after seeing Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones’ 4.39 40-yard dash and 11’3 broad jump. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, and coming off a 78-catch 1,100 yard campaign with seven scores in the SEC, it would have been enticing for the Raiders to give him a serious look.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Today’s press conference was epic, entertaining and had all the drama of a top rated soap opera. Once again, Al Davis took the stage, and left everyone in the room mesmerized – or scolded.

The Oakland Raiders introduced Hue Jackson as their next head coach, but most of that took a backseat to the other juice topics that were bantered about by the aging owner who had not given a state of the union address in quite some time.

Here are some of the highlights of the press conference, along with my analysis of the happenings:

On who will be the playcaller:

“I’m going to be the primary playcaller, but we’re going to do everything we can to recruit the best staff for the Oakland Raiders,’’ the new head coach Jackson said. “Obviously the name you just mentioned [Al Saunders] is someone who’s out there that we would love to talk to, but there’s several people that we’re going to talk to. We’re going to do everything we can to put the best staff we can here in Oakland.”

ANALYSIS:

If Jackson is going to be at the helm, he wants to make sure he’s at the ship’s wheel as well. It’s probably a good thing, since he has developed a rapport already with Jason Campbell and has an understanding and flow of the players that will line up for him in 2011.

Jackson on development:

“The person that really shaped me in football is Jon Gruden,’’ Jackson said. “We were office mates. We were both young coaches, both young, aspiring coaches, we shared an office together and Jon Gruden, I’ll never forget it, used to put me on the board at nighttime for three months straight, and we would talk football. That’s where my start happened.’’

ANALYSIS:

I’m sure Al Davis loved that. Heck, at least the owner can claim that’s another guy he gave his first shot to.

On JaMarcus Russell:

“We had a big investment in this guy. Basically, he’s a good person but he’s got personal problems, and I decided that it was time that we were not going to fight it anymore,’’ Davis said. “ I wasn’t going to. I wasn’t going to ask the coaching staff to do it, and I had already traded for Jason [Campbell] and had that in the back of my mind. We had [Bruce] Gradkowski, who was coming off an injury, who showed some ability to be a quarterback in this league.”

“That was the thing with JaMarcus. It hurt us a great deal. But you have to go on. You have to overcome those things, and we almost did this year . . . JaMarcus hurt. Any time you lose a first-round draft choice it hurts. But it’s over.’’

ANALYSIS:

That era is over – get over it! The owner paid Russell more than $30 million for three seasons in which he started 25 games and threw 23-interceptions and 18-touchdon passes. Plain and simple; Russell is arguably the biggest draft day bust in the history of the NFL. Oakland likes to add superlatives to their media guide and other releases, there’s another one.

Jackson on his relationship with Tom Cable:

“I’m not going to say there were times I felt I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. I think what we did is we did a good job of meshing together what it was here in the past and where we want to go now. I know there were a lot of reports. I’ve known Tom. I just want everyone to know me and Tom worked together. I have a great respect for him as a football coach. What Tom Cable is as a football coach is an exceptional line coach.

“He will go on and do great. I wish nothing but the best for him. All the stuff about the tension between me and him, I didn’t see that. It was reported there was a rift. There was no rift between us. We both wanted to win. Obviously Coach Davis and Tom they gave me a lot of leeway on offense to do what I needed to do. Sometimes we didn’t get it done. We didn’t play like we could play on offense. That was my frustration more than anything.’’

“What Tom Cable is as a football coach is an exceptional line coach.’’

ANALYSIS:

DAYUMN, now that was a backhanded compliment. Obviously, Jackson has had a working relationship with Tom Cable for some time. Neither will likely go to dinner together after this, but for one-season, they did come together, worked through a lot of crap and did an admirable job to get the Raiders to a respectable 8-8 – even though the owner felt that that was an underachievement.

Jackson on looking forward to coaching the team:

“This group of men on the Raider team is excited about the upcoming season,’’ Jackson stated. “I haven’t felt like I needed to re-recruit anybody. I haven’t felt like I needed to call anybody other than I normally do. I call guys to see how they’re doing and see how this off-season is doing so far.

“I think our players are excited about what the future is here. Again, we were 6-0 in the AFC West. We know we need to play better outside the AFC West. We’re going to build a bully here. This is the Raiders. We know exactly where we’re headed and what we want to do. I think our players today are very excited about where they are going.’’

ANALYSIS:

Many of the players will be happy with the ‘new’ coach. His face is familiar, they’ve enjoyed working with him and there is some sense of stability and continuity with Jackson. But others will feel that the constant circus surrounding this team and Cable’s departure after a resurgent season may be the map to their next destination.

Hue Jackson’s monologue:

“Obviously when I came here a year ago a lot of things were said. ‘Why you want to go work for the Raiders?’ One, I’m from California and I love being back home. But two, the opportunity to work for coach Davis. I know a lot of people quote me when I say coach because he is a coach. He was one of the greatest coaches of our time coaching a football team.”

“I want you guys to know, I’ve worked for a lot of owners in this league. I’ve been on four different football teams. I started with Dan Snyder, I worked for from there to Mike Brown, from there to Arthur Blank, from there to Steve Bisciotti. And I’m not saying this because I’m sitting here. I’m being very honest with you, not one of those guys, and they’re all excellent at what they do, but I’ve never had the opportunity to sit and talk football, football, the X’s and O’s and what it takes to win in this league consistently on a consistent basis, and there’s nothing like working for coach Davis.”

“I know a lot of stuff gets said about this and that, I’m telling you I’m here. I’m a walking testimony of coming here in the first year and having an opportunity to make something great. We’re not where we want to be but I’m so excited about the opportunity that the men that are sitting in the back of the room, Mike Waufle and Kevin Ross, guys that I know this past year that we did everything that we could to get this organization where we want it to be, and none of us are satisfied. We all are ready to roll up our sleeves and go to work. So I’m glad, to be here, glad to be the head coach of this football team. I plan on being here for a long time.’’

ANALYSIS:

Step one – wax poetically about the owner. Step two – state your desire to be with the organization. Step three – make sure you pledge your allegiance to the Silver & Black and that they’ll be a contender, again.  Jackson, like many before him, said similar things and at this point, those words mean nothing until the team jumps over .500, gets to the playoffs and become a consistent winner.

Part two of the epic briefing and my analysis will posted in part-two…

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Jacksonville Jaguars clinched a playoff spot back in 2007 when they thrashed the Oakland Raiders, 49-11.

It was the first game in which JaMarcus Russell got some extended reps after Oakland opted to start Josh McCown. “Obviously, there’s a lot of things to learn from today,” Russell said. “Things didn’t go the way we wanted to, but I learned things and that’s what you want.”

Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew combined for 155-yards rushing. Early in the 1^st quarter, Taylor scored from 62-yards out and the game was completely discombobulated when the Raiders failed on a 4^th and 2 from the Jaguars 20 with 1:48 in the 2^nd quarter, trailing 28-3.

Matt Jones then stole the football from a Raider defender on a 37-yard score to expand the lead to 35-3.

Russell was 7-of-23 for 83-yards and 3 interceptions. His first career touchdown pass was recorded with 6 seconds remaining – a 2-yard toss to Zach Miller.

“The whole game was out of control, from … when [Taylor] took that run in,” Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha said. “It wasn’t embarrassing. It was mortifying if I can use that word. That’s probably the most disappointing loss I’ve had, especially this late in the season when everybody’s been preaching finish strong, we can spoil (things for) Jacksonville.

“And they come out and put those points up on us? That’s very disappointing.”

Dominic Rhodes was one of the few Raiders that showed up that afternoon, rushing for 115-yards on 25-carries.

Warren Sapp was ejected during the defeat, in a game that the Raiders compiled 11-penalties, had four turnovers and were 3-15 on 3^rd downs.

Here are photos from that game, captured by Bob Carr, SBReport.net photographer:

Warren Sapp (99) arguing with referees before his departure.

CB Nnamdi Asomugha pleads his case for ejected teammate.

Jay Richardson (98) making a play on Jones-Drew (32).

Dominic Rhodes rushed for over 100-yards vs. the Jaguars.

DE Chris Clemons gets his hands on David Garrard.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

FootballNewsNow.com talked with Oakland Raiders defensive end Jay Richardson, who touched on many topics including JaMarcus Russell, Jason Campbell and the amount of wins his club is capable of tallying in 2010.

On the upcoming season:

“I think we’re gonna have our first double-digit win season in … I couldn’t even tell you how many years,” he said. “It’s been a while. I’m hoping and pulling for 10 plus wins. I think we can do it. I think we’re going to be a playoff team this year.”

On Jason Campbell:

“So far, what I’ve seen of Jason, he’s going to be a difference maker. He allows us to open up our offense a little bit and do some things that we probably couldn’t do with a younger quarterback like JaMarcus.”

“With Jason, I think we’re going to be able to do everything the coordinators want to do and more. He’s also a good guy. Obviously a competent guy, a smart guy. He obviously cares about performance and hopefully it shows.”

On JaMarcus Russell’s issues:

“He hasn’t done anything like that in front of me so I can’t sit here and say yay or nay as far as what goes on in his personal life. All I can really say is that it is a cultural thing in the south. Especially in the hip hop community that is something you see a lot of.

“And I think as an athlete you have to know when to distance yourself from that type of behavior. You have to be smart. That’s what it comes down to”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

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

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

Jilted quarterback JaMarcus Russell may have found a new home…

The Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL have shown interest in the free-agent who was released by the Oakland Raiders this off-season.

Omaha general manager Rick Mueller and personnel director Ted Sundquist have talked about acquiring the former LSU star and number one overall choice in the 2007 draft. “We are interested in JaMarcus Russell and we think it would be a good opportunity for him,” Mueller said.

Russell, who went from being a potential franchise passer, to not being on any pro roster has faced a reality check this spring. He would likely prefer to be back-up on a NFL squad, but at this point, Russell is spoiled goods due to his poor work ethic and bust status after being cut from the Silver & Black.

“JaMarcus needs to play,” said Sundquist, the former Denver general manager. “We’d give him that opportunity. We don’t want to make JaMarcus a five-time UFL All-Star. We want him to be a quality NFL quarterback. We think we can help him do that by playing in our league. If he was a No. 3 in the NFL, he’d get four reps a day. Here, he would be playing football and that’s what he needs to do.

“It’s no different than a Major League [Baseball] player who struggles. He goes down to Triple-A for a little while and gets a chance to get things together. That’s what we want for JaMarcus.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

An article published by NOLA.com talked about JaMarcus Russell, his failure with the Oakland Raiders and those close to him commenting on his demise and current frame of mind.

“I did not have to console him, ” stated his grandmother, Bernice Russell.”He had to console me.

“But you will never know, and I will never know how he is doing, because JaMarcus keeps a smile on his face no matter how much he is hurting on the inside.”

Others have provided support and an outlook of the former number one overall selection that is not shared by those in the Silver & Black nation.

“I just believe that he will bounce back, ” said Williamson Coach Bobby Parish, Russell’s coach in high school. “It’s just a situation where I think the kid wants it. You have a name, and your name is so important to you, and you don’t want five or 10 years from now to see your name on some billboard as being the worst player or biggest bust. I think he’ll bounce back.”

Rest of the story is found here: http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2010/05/jamarcus_russell_returns_to_ho.html

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Another site, rollbamaroll.com published a piece on Roland McClain, stating their excitement for the linebacker from Alabama that will line up in the middle of the Raiders’ defense.

Link to story here: http://www.rollbamaroll.com/2010/5/16/1474186/oakland-raiders-fans-are-learning

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders booted JaMarcus Russell off the club and now, the hefty passer will realize how hard it will be to get a new lease on life in the National Football League.

Russell cleared waivers; not surprising considering that any team claiming him would inherit his $9.45 million salary. Oakland had already paid him over $39 million over the course of three disappointing seasons, but the 24-year old will now have to work extremely hard to rehabilitate his image.

The Buffalo Bills could be a destination for the former LSU star. Buffalo is starving to get a starting caliber signal caller, featuring a mix on that unit that is uninspiring.

Brian Brohm, Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick are battling for the top spot. The offense has been horrific in seven years, finishing 25th or worst in the NFL in yards gained during that span. At least five quarterbacks have started eight games or more, including Drew Bledsoe, J.P. Losman and Kelly Holcomb.

Ironically, Buffalo was rumored to acquire Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins prior to the Raiders landing his services.

The New Orleans Saints have already nixed the notion of bringing in Russell.

“I don’t think [we'd consider signing him] right now, with where we’re at,” Saints head coach Sean Payton said.  “I’m sure he’s going to look for that other opportunity and our league usually provides that. Certainly, any time the first pick of the draft after three years is released, it’s newsworthy, and that next opportunity for him is going to be important.

“Outside of that, I really haven’t had a chance to study him a lot.”

According to CBS Sports’ web site, the Indianapolis Colts could be a landing spot. The Colts have not commented on their interest and that speculation at this point could be far fetched considering the environment Russell would be stepping into.

Peyton Manning is the anti-Russell and the expectations of offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen and senior assistant Tom Moore could be insurmountable for a passer that has very poor work habits and what appears to be a limited football capacity as evidenced by his inability to handle simpler schemes while in Oakland.

Russell is in limbo right now. And if he wants any life in the NFL; he’ll have to work harder than he ever has to gain the confidence of an organization and earn a roster spot based on effort, production and accountability needed to be a solid contributor at any capacity.

But with a bank account that is healthier than when he was a prospect in high school or college, and perceptions around the league that are not to complimentary, Russell will have very few shots to polish that image and will have to locate a newfound desire to be a pro.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist