NFL quarterback Jamarcus Russell was recently arrested and charged with possession of codeine syrup, according to
police reports.
The 24-year-old former Oakland Raiders quarterback was arrested from his home in Mobile, Ala., on July 5 during an undercover narcotics investigation, Mobile County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Lori Myles told reporters. Myles did not specify exactly what led to Russell’s arrest, but did mention that while several people were present at the quarterback’s home when police arrived, Russell was the only one detained.
“We understand that typically sometimes this codeine syrup is mixed with a beverage, like Sprite, and they call it ‘sip-sip,’” Myles told WALA-TV in Mobile.
The former No. 1 overall pick was later released on a $2,500 bond and will appear in court on July 20, according to online police records.
“It’s a felony; it’s my understanding it’s his first,” Myles told WALA-TV. “He could be probation, or it could be drug court—whatever the court decides.”
Russell’s arrest is the latest tragic hit to his disintegrating NFL career. Considered by football experts as one of the biggest busts in NFL history, Russell was released by the Raiders in May after winning only seven of his 25 starts in the league. Despite signing a massive contract upon his entry into the NFL, Russell has an awful 65.2 career passer rating, completing just 52.1 percent of his passes. He tossed only 18 touchdowns with 23 interceptions, along with 15 lost fumbles. Russell, who earned $36.4 million from Oakland last season, is second behind 1992 top pick Steve Emtman as the quickest No. 1 overall pick to be released from their team.
ESPN reported last month that according to sources, the New York Jets were interested in Russell’s services. But the New York Daily recently reported that’s no longer the case.
Russell, nor his agent, has yet to speak with the media about the latest events.