Ex-Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell Arrested in Drug Bust

Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell is facing a charge for possession of a controlled substance in the latest misfortune to hit the 2007 NFL Draft’s top pick. Authorities said Russell was arrested at his Mobile, Alabama, home on Monday after police found Russell in possession of the prohibited drug codeine syrup without a prescription.

Russell was brought to the Mobile city jail but was later released on a $2,500 bail bond. His arrest, which was part of an undercover operation, is the first blot in an otherwise clean personal record for what is considered one of the biggest Draft busts in NFL history.

Russell came into the NFL with a lot of promise after the former Louisiana State University star won the Sugar Bowl MVP prior to signifying his intention to forego the final year of his NCAA eligibility and jump into the big league. The Raiders, after long negotiations, signed Russell to a six-year contract worth up to $68 million with more than $30 million guaranteed. However, he failed to live up to expectations and was released at the end of the 2009 season, with a record of only seven wins in 25 starts.