The Raiders will finally start the process of moving forward today as they released JaMarcus Russell. Over the past 3 seasons Russell made $38 million. No matter what type of lifestyle he is leading, he is going to have enough money to live for the rest of his life. My question is; does JaMarcus even want to play in the NFL anymore?
I’ve heard accounts that Russell was always the last one to show up to practice. And that’s Raiders practice, so you know there are going to be some other stragglers. He also would walk from drill to drill when other veterans and QB’s often run as a show of leadership.
There is a report that Russell showed up at his heaviest weight yet at last month’s mini camp. Maybe the Raiders should have kept Russell as a lineman?
Honestly, Russell’s actions have made me questions his desire to play the game. I don’t have a problem with this. $28 million can change a man’s feelings towards a lot of things. Maybe JaMarcuss was never a huge fan of the game to begin with. He obviously had people in his ear telling him how great he was growing up, and how it was his ticket to riches.
All of the scrutiny he received is certainly enough to make someone stop loving the game they played since childhood. It changes a bit when you get to the NFL, especially for a QB who was questioned since NFL day 1. That must be taxing.
