Jamarcus Russell is a former American football quarterback who is best known for his time in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders.
Despite high expectations, Russell struggled with consistency, work ethic, and weight issues during his time with the Raiders. His performance did not live up to his potential, and he faced criticism for his lack of preparation and discipline.
The Raiders released Russell in May 2010, after just three seasons. He finished his NFL career with a record of 7-18 as a starter, 18 touchdown passes, and 23 interceptions.
After his release, Russell faced legal and financial problems, including lawsuits over unpaid debts and an arrest for possession of codeine syrup without a prescription.
Russell hadn’t been in the spotlight for years, but now he is under scrutiny for allegedly stealing from the high school football team he was coaching.
Former No. 1 NFL draft pick JaMarcus Russell was fired as a volunteer assistant coach at his alma mater, Williamson High School in Mobile, Alabama, and is facing a lawsuit accusing him of taking a $74,000 check meant as a donation to the school.
“JaMarcus Russell was relieved of his volunteer coaching duties at Williamson High School during the fall of last year,” Mobile County Public School officials told WKRG Sports.
A local business owner, Chris Knowles, wrote the $74,000 check, saying Russell approached him about a donation to help the Williamson football team purchase weight room equipment. The school allegedly never received the check, and Russell reportedly deposited it in a credit union and promptly withdrew $55,000 of it.
Russell, 38, was a star quarterback at Williamson before going to college at LSU, where he threw for 6,625 yards and 52 touchdowns in three years before turning pro.
Russell is no longer allowed to be around the school or players.
He has been given a forever ban by his alma mater.
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