Former No. 1 decide JaMarcus Russell fired as coach, faces lawsuit

Former No. 1 NFL draft decide JaMarcus Russell was fired as a volunteer assistant coach at his alma mater, Williamson Excessive College in Cellular, Alabama, and is dealing with a lawsuit accusing him of taking a $74,000 test meant as a donation to the varsity.

“JaMarcus Russell was relieved of his volunteer teaching duties at Williamson Excessive College through the fall of final 12 months,” Cellular County Public College officers advised WKRG Sports activities.

An area enterprise proprietor, Chris Knowles, wrote the $74,000 test, saying Russell approached him a couple of donation to assist the Williamson soccer staff buy weight room tools. The varsity allegedly by no means acquired the test, and Russell reportedly deposited it in a credit score union and promptly withdrew $55,000 of it.

Along with being fired as a coach, Russell can also be not allowed to be on the varsity’s campus, in keeping with an announcement from Cellular County Public College officers. Russell attended an occasion for the soccer staff this week, however was advised he was not welcome.

“Earlier this week, it was reiterated to Mr. Russell that he’s not permitted to be across the soccer program or on college campus,” the varsity district mentioned in an announcement to WKRG.

Russell, 38, was a star quarterback at Williamson earlier than going to school at LSU, the place he threw for six,625 yards and 52 touchdowns in three years earlier than turning professional.

Russell was the primary decide within the 2007 NFL draft and began 25 video games for the Raiders over three seasons. He ended his NFL profession with a 52.1% completion price, 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions and is considered maybe the largest NFL draft bust.

He earned greater than $36.4 million in wage and bonuses throughout his NFL profession.