Former number one overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft QB JaMarcus Russell was fired as a volunteer assistant coach of the Williamson High School football team and faces a lawsuit accusing him of taking a $74,000 check meant as a donation to the school.
As per an ESPN report, Russell approached a local business owner about a donation to help the Williamson High School football team purchase weight room equipment.
Russell received the check from the business owner and reportedly deposited it in a credit union before withdrawing $55,000 of it. The school never received the check.
In addition to being fired as a coach, Russell is also not allowed to be on the school’s campus, according to a statement from Mobile County Public School officials.
Russell attended an event for the football team this week, but was told he was not welcome.
Russell was the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft by the Raiders and started 25 games for them over three seasons. He earned more than $36.4 million in salary and bonuses during his NFL career.
Russell is considered one of the biggest NFL Draft busts. He finished his NFL career with a 52.1% completion rate, 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.
Russell starred collegiately for LSU. He earned first team All-SEC honors from both the Associated Press and SEC coaches and led LSU to a 41-14 victory over Notre Dame, while being named Sugar Bowl MVP.
The current logo for the NFL Draft. Photo courtesy of wikipedia.org
