NFL: JaMarcus Russell and National Football league going towards its downfall?
What is happening to the National Football League of America? What is happening to the leagues in general? Is it the downfall of one of the biggest Leagues in the world? Every top player seems to be falling off one by one; their career does not begin before they put an end to it. Why do they throw their whole career and years of effort down the drain? Does this prove stardom and money cause nothing but trouble in life?
First Michael Vick got himself thrown into jail because of holding dog-fights in his backyard, Robaire Smith was recently charged with carrying a loaded gun in his luggage at Bishop Airport in Flint which he apparently had no idea off, Vince Young assaulting a man at a strip club, Vincent Jackson arrested for Driving under influence (DUI), Chris Simms stopped by police due to smoking marijuana. The NFL just suspended LenDale White for four games due to violation of the league’s substance- abuse policy and Hollis Thomas, a defensive tackle, for eight straight games for taking performance-enhancing substances and now JaMarcus Russell?
JaMarcus Russell was recently charged for the possession of ‘codeine syrup’; police arrested him in his home in Alabama yesterday. He was a part of an undercover narcotics investigation, Mobile County Sherrif spokeswoman Lori Myles did not disclose all the details as to why he was arrested but stated that JaMarcus had codeine without prescription.
The 24 year old quarter back was picked as the No.1 draft choice in 2007. He was booked into Moblie Metro Jail around 4p.m but was released soon afterward paying a bond of $2,500 according to the online records. JaMarcus is scheduled to appear in court by July 20th. His teammates have bluntly questioned him regarding his work ethic due to his weight issues.
Oakland Raiders have paid JaMarcus more than $35M since he joined the team. Since the team does not have any intention on re-singing their former star quarterback especially after acquiring Jason Campbell from Washington Redskins, the team certainly intends on taking around $9.55M back from him, since he was paid in advance for future years.
Although Raiders made a smart decision after cutting him off last week since he becoming nuisance for the team, they saved up to $6.45M, which they could have lost if Russell had gotten hurt at the minicamp they sent him too.
When JaMarcus came to NHL in 2006, General Manager, Mike Tannenbaum of New York Jets tried his level best to achieve the talented player. But now the situation is opposite, the team recently showed an interest in the player, but after the codeine incident the team told New York Daily news they will surely pass on him since they do not want a badly reputed player.
As of now JaMarcus Russell is a free-agent but his future seems bleak as no team has shown interest in the player; as his former team Oakland Raiders have bluntly said they are not interested in him followed by the New York Jets who were desperate to get a hold of him ever since he stepped in NHL seemed to have lost interest as well. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Viking were the only team who apparently had an interest in him, which unless they have lost too. The Vikings could certainly though draft him because his so-called “purple drank” will go with their uniform.
Russell graduated from a high school in Mobile and was thought to be the NFL’s biggest draft 3 years ago. Oakland Raiders were ecstatic after his pick, and Russell did not disappoint them, although he was benched after 7 wins, he managed to make 18 touchdowns, with 52.1 pass percentage, 23 interceptions.
Tags: