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”

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

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.

Follow me on Twitter — click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

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.

Follow me on Twitter — click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

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.”

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

“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

******************************

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

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

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.

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

JaMarcus Russell is now the biggest bust in league history.

Ryan Leaf no longer has that dubious distinction. And it was a perfect storm for the Raiders and Russell to get to this point.

There is no denying the Silver & Black needed to draft a quarterback and were desperate to hit the draft lotto with a passer during this current seven-year stretch of ineptitude.

Many times they had picks atop the draft and were placed in positions where you can justify them taking a signal caller. When Russell was there and he was chosen first overall in 2007 – they had to pull the trigger.

Problem was, they swung and miss badly, further proving that drafting is not a science and taking a quarterback so high in the draft is no easy task.

You can make the case though that the signs were there forecasting the team and Russell’s impending doom.

When the LSU star announced he was going pro, Russell started hinting at his intentions in landing a big deal and milking the most out of his status stating, “As far as the swoosh, I was thinking it can be a little eye catcher to Nike,” during his press conference declaring for the draft.

When asked where he would like to land, he commented, “Whoever picks first, whoever pays the most.”

The groundwork was set…

And in year one, Russell stunted his own growth by holding out, not being in uniform the first few weeks of the season and finally reaching a six-year contract worth up to $68 million and $31.5 in guarantees.

Russell was sheltered by then head coach Lane Kiffin –who never felt at ease with the Raiders taking the bulky passer –finally getting his feet wet in a contest in December of 2007 against the Denver Broncos. In relief, Russell completed his first pass; a roll out to Jerry Porter and the Oakland Coliseum was rocking. One of the only moments that the fan-base was completely behind Russell and anticipating future good fortunes.

A few weeks later, he tossed his first touchdown pass to his security blanket on the field throughout his short career, Zach Miller, and his first career start was as the season wound down against the San Diego Chargers.

The 2008 season was supposed to be a year where he could finally show growth and display some level of development after spending a full off-season honing his craft.

But a 41-14 trouncing to start the season, a coaching change mid-campaign and mixed efforts throughout 2008 did not give many the indication that he was ready to show the league why he was deserving of being the top overall pick when he was drafted.

In 2009, Russell dug his own grave.

Tom Cable benched him after lackluster efforts and no signs of improvements. His weight continued to be a major concern, along with his poor work habits, inability to lead and the team not showing any pulse whenever he was under center.

Russell was officially public enemy number one and a journeyman named Bruce Gradkowski was the apple of the fan-base’s eye.

Charlie Frye even passed him atop the depth chart, when Cable elected to go with the third stringer in a late season contest.

“I just think it’s a matter of him accepting and learning what it is he has to do to be great,” Cable stated at the time. “And I think when he does that then we’ll all enjoy it.”

Even after Russell entered a game in relief and got the win, Oakland was already soured on his outlook. Teammates were already being swayed, convinced that his lack of fire and poor football ability was not capable in leading the club.

“I always say everybody is going to have their opinion. As long as my teammates have faith, and I have faith in those guys,” Russell said after their 20-19 victory against Denver. `There’s always going to be tough times. It’s how you come up from behind and fight those tough times off.”

In early December, Russell said of his benching and whether it was deserving: “I wouldn’t say that. You know, any guy that’s competitive, which we want to be out there, and I’d say that about myself. But I guess coach wanted to go in a different direction.”

When asked what type of player will be on display when he gets back on the field, he answered, “A totally different JaMarcus. People going to have their opinion, and I really don’t pay too much attention to that. I worry about JaMarcus and JaMarcus only.”

Oakland only got to see one JaMarcus during his stay: a very bad quarterback with no ambition.

Even when it looked like Russell may have a shot to continue his career in Silver & Black, he failed to turn a nation of doubters around.

In March, former Raider coach Willie Brown said, “It’s quite a bit of weight that he’s lost … I don’t want to pin it down and say how much he lost but it will be a significant difference when you see him compared to last year.

“The most important thing is he’s getting in shape. Not only losing weight, but getting in shape. He’s watching his diet, he has special meals brought in that he’s eating, and we have one of the Raiders, a former player there with him to monitor him and make sure things are going fine. The weight thing, he’ll get it down. He’ll get it down.”

But sightings  in Las Vegas and as he drove out of the Raiders facility after that, he did not appear as slim as the Raider legend indicated.

All these happenings just featured how great of a bust he was. Not exactly what Mel Kiper pictured for Raider fans when he stated this upon his selection:

“Three years from now you could certainly be looking at a guy who is certainly one of the elite top five quarterbacks in this league . . . Nobody has an arm like JaMarcus Russell. . .

Obviously, he’ll need a little time. But you’re talking about a 2-3-year period. Once he’s under center, look out, because the skill level he has is certainly John Elway-like.”

So Russell beats Leaf in the battle of busts.

Russell was the first overall pick, Leaf was a second in the 1998 draft.

Russell’s contract was way more lucrative than the 4-year $31.25 million contract and  $11.25 million signing bonus San Diego forked over to Leaf.

Leaf started 18-games, winning four while missing the 1999 season with a shoulder injury. Russell was 7 and 18 as a starter, but he was never was as jubilant or as outwardly motivated as Leaf, especially considering that San Diego’s passer once said: “I’m looking forward to a 15 year career, a couple of trips to the Super Bowl, and a parade through downtown San Diego.”

Russell probably only worried about how much money he was making and put more effort into his wardrobe, rather than making any declarations in order to convince fans he wanted to be great.

But who is to blame?

Russell was lazy. He did not commit to excellence and was the farthest from showing pride & poise. His nonchalant disposition hurt him and the team. He was never overwhelmed with the enormity of being the top pick and getting a Brinks truck full of money because he did not grasp that concept. Russell did not embrace the burden he had nor did he realize that the organization depended on him to lead them back to prominence.

And Oakland failed by setting up an environment that breeds failure.

Instability on the sidelines, poor vision personnel wise, which never gave Russell a healthy complement of talents at the skill positions, experiments along the offensive line and horrific play calling doomed him as well.

It didn’t help that when the Raiders graded the offense down, Russell was still not able to absorb it.

But everyone is to fail. The team could not groom a passer, and the quarterback had very little motivation to be great or achieve greatness.

Russell will now move on…

And the Raiders will turn a new leaf in hopes of finally getting it right under center.

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Many have chimed in on the JaMarcus Russell release yesterday, I almost didn’t want to add to the plethora of stories of angst and finger pointing. But what compelled me to write something was some other media talking heads saying that half the problem, a problem that I refer to as “Russell-Gate”, was Al Davis and the Raider organization. Even many Raider fans were even saying that the team should have done more for Russell and that their ineptitude contributed to this catastrophe. Well, I beg to differ.

As dysfunctional as the Raiders are perceived to be, it all ultimately comes down to individual accountability on behalf of the player. As a man, one has to say, ‘Sure…I’m in a sh—y situation and am being made to eat a sh-t sandwich, but I’m going to take a big bite and turn sh-t into chicken salad!’ (Sorry about the ‘colorful metaphors’. 8 years in the Marine Corps never wears off. Fortunately and unfortunately, colorful metaphors are a part of daily life for me)

It’s engrained into the psyche of every living breathing member of the greatest American Fraternity ever created; The United States Marine Corps. You may not have state of the art equipment, you may not have enough of the tools you need to do the job, or you may not even have enough bodies to aid you in your mission, but one thing is clear and unchanging…YOU ADAPT AND OVERCOME! YOU MAKE DO WITH WHAT YOU HAVE AND YOU GET THE JOB DONE! This is something that has been lost in all of the Al-Davis-Russell-Gate blame game. There have been quarterbacks that have donned the Silver and Black that have had highly forgettable careers in Oakland and then there were those who thrived and had Hall of Fame careers here. The glue that connects all of the past Raider quarterbacks (both good and bad), is that each one of them were professional enough to do what they could physically to win a game. Some may have sucked at winning games (**cough…Marc Wilson…cough**) while some over-achieved and won divisional titles, conference titles and even two Super Bowls (Rich Gannon and Jim Plunkett). Each quarterback of the Silver and Black spectrum had done all they could and left everything out on the field.

Russell on the other hand gave neither his best in practice nor while in game. Instead, Russell excelled at completing more trips to Las Vegas than he had NFL football wins. Personal responsibility!

Why should it be Al Davis’ or anyone else from the organization’s responsibility to make sure Russell does the most fundamental of things required for a “grown ass man” to function in a society that is dependent on teamwork? As a grown ass man, no one should have to be told do your best, to make team meetings on time, to be at team meetings instead of Las Vegas, (as the starting QB) to be the first one in the building and be the last one out, to not throw ones teammates under the bus for ones own shortcomings, to take pride in ones work. No…the onus of this disaster falls squarely o the shoulders of JaMarcus Russell. Russell is a “grown ass man” and he and he alone is solely responsible for having any sense of professionalism, or lack thereof.

In a strange way, the drama that has unfolded here in Oakland is both a microcosm and a macrocosm collective of a more systemic problem in the NFL; the need for a rookie salary cap. Toss out the football stats, numbers, and projections out of the window. Instead look at it from a holistic point of view. Regardless of how potentially successful a rookie is thought to be, the fact that one is getting paid guaranteed money up front for services that are anything but guaranteed is ludicrous; borderline bankrupt thinking. It feeds into a sense of entitlement. Rookie hold-outs for mega millions before playing a down feeds egos and has the potentiality to erode team chemistry. Animosity can fester and even spawn jealousy and resentment. Instead, give the rookies a guaranteed MINNIMUM and then offer them performance-based incentives. THEN let that player negotiate for a bigger payday, but ONLY AFTER the first year or two. As a result, it gives more value to veteran players and limits the “entitlement” behavior exhibited by draftees. Also while we’re at it, could the NFL Commissioner put an end to the “Red Carpet” treatment for some draftees on draft day? Once again, that is rewarding a player before even proving his worth.

Which brings me back to Russell. It was not only the Raiders who learned a hard $39 million dollar lesson; the entire league will be left with the sting of this cautionary tale as team owners head back to the negotiation table with the Players Association. Are teams going to want to push for a rookie cap and is the NFLPA going to acquiesce? I say yes and yes and future NFL hopefuls (as well as 99.99% of NFL fans, casual fans, veteran players, and team executives) will have JaMarcus Russell to thank, but perhaps for different reasons.

Senior executive John Herrera was quoted as saying, “we wish him well,” to the Associated Press.

Oakland has paid more than $39 million to the LSU product since drafting him, in a career that featured a holdout, poor work ethic, troubles with his weight and lackluster efforts on the field.

SBReport.net will have a complete story and a feature looking back at his bust career tonight…

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Archived from 2008: Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski

The Oakland Raiders began their three-day minicamp on Friday with two practice sessions. They will continue with two more sessions today before they wrap up with one more on Sunday. Here are highlights, news and notes from Friday:

JaMarcus Russell was sheltered by the Silver & Black, specifically Eddie Anderson, who was a mediator and ring leader in controlling what questions were asked and what direction media members wanted to take the question and answer session. The former Raiders safety cut off any questions that had to do with any of the newsworthy issues surrounding the embattled passer.

As expected, Richard Seymour was not in Alameda, as Tom Cable stated that the team is trying to hammer out a long-term deal with the defensive lineman. He has not signed his exclusive franchise tag either. “We’re trying to get it done so he’s all ours,’’ Cable stated.

Running back Michael Bennett was trying out for the club. The veteran running back has played for the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Diego Chargers.

Tom Cable’s observations:

“We had two weeks before we did that minicamp, there was kind of a lull in there and that was a reason for doing it right after the draft,’’ Cable reflected after last year’s bad start to camp. “I think it’s reflected in that the ball’s not on the ground and we don’t look like the Keystone Cops out there.’’

Jason Campbell’s impressions:

“I’ve been through about 10 of them, so somewhere along the like I’ve run a lot of these plays, trying to find the rhythm, get used to the guys around me and get back into the groove.”

“I’m just here to work. Just here to work, get better every day,’’ Campbell said. “ I’ll let coach Cable make that decision and Mr. Al Davis. My job is to come out here every day and compete, keep working on things and try to improve the offense.’’

What did the defense look like?

To start the camp, the defensive alignment looked like this: DE Jay Richardson, DT Tommy Kelly, DT Desmond Bryant, DE Matt Shaughnessy, LB Kamerion Wimbley, LB Rolando McClain, LB Trevor Scott, CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Chris Johnson, SS Tyvon Branch and FS Michael Huff.

“I was looking at the playbook and there are some things that we didn’t do last year.,’’ Asomugha said. “Like always, it’s a matter of how well we do it at this time of the year and then in the summer as to whether we actually play it. So it’s going to depend on us and then how comfortable the coaches feel.’’

Hue Jackson…

One of the hardest working men on and off the field…

Bruce Campbell and Chris Cooper battle in the trenches, a little bit feisty for a minicamp…

Quarterbacks, JaMarcus Russell, Jason Campbell, Charlie Frye and Kyle Boller all got their reps in: “It means nothing. Don’t look anything into that. If you do, you’re wasting ink,” said Cable.

Oren O’Neal was waived. The fullback was slowed down significantly after his knee injury in 2008. Oakland’s fullback competition is wide open…

Ricky Brown will be limited all weekend…

Follow me on Twitter, click here.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist