inmate running the asylum Posted October 28, 2003 Share Posted October 28, 2003 After being reinstated by the NFL, Darrell Russell was released by the Raiders as expected. The Redskins will have to wait 24 hours until he clears waivers, in that they certainly would not want to claim him and have to assume his present inflated salary. If the Skins sign him, they will probably be granted a 2 week roster exemption to allow him to get into some kind of playing shape. Chris Mortensen said again on Monday, that he expects the Redskins to sign him and for him to be on the practice field by Wednesday. Troubled Raiders defensive tackle Russell cut by Raiders after being reinstated by NFL JANIE McCAULEY, AP Sports Writer Monday, October 27, 2003 (10-27) 16:56 PST ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- Defensive tackle Darrell Russell was released by the Oakland Raiders on Monday, shortly after the NFL reinstated him for completing a 11/2-season suspension for violating its substance abuse policy. He now can be claimed off waivers. "We felt this was the best thing to do," Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen said. "He had some very good years here and showed all the promise we had hoped for. But because of his well-documented problems, we decided it was better he try to rejuvenate his career elsewhere." NFL spokesman Steve Alic confirmed that Russell, a two-time Pro Bowler, was reinstated. Coach Bill Callahan has said he had no interest in having Russell back on the team. Russell's annual salary is $9 million; the Raiders are still responsible for a .66 million signing bonus -- already accounted for against the salary cap, Allen said. The Washington Post reported that the Redskins had done a background check on Russell and were satisfied they could sign him. The Redskins are in need of defensive tackles. Russell's most recent suspension was his second. He also failed a drug test and sat out the first four games of the 2001 season. The NFL does not disclose details of substance-abuse violations. The league's policy covers a wide range of issues, including the illegal use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol, prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Russell, a former No. 2 overall selection in the NFL draft who had 281/2 sacks in five seasons with the Raiders, was eligible for reinstatement in January. But he had the suspension extended by three months because commissioner Paul Tagliabue wasn't satisfied with his off-field behavior. Last fall, prosecutors dropped rape charges against Russell, claiming they could not prove he videotaped a woman being raped by two of his friends in January 2002. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DieselPwr44 Posted October 28, 2003 Share Posted October 28, 2003 If the Raiders( A franchise historically known for taking in wayward souls) passes on Russell,what does this say about him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrimReaper21 Posted October 28, 2003 Share Posted October 28, 2003 who cares what he has done in the past. Darrell Russell was one of the best DT's in the NFL. and he s still only 27. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gridironmike Posted October 28, 2003 Share Posted October 28, 2003 Originally posted by DieselPwr44 If the Raiders( A franchise historically known for taking in wayward souls) passes on Russell,what does this say about him? He is expensive for them and would be cheap for us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyDave Posted October 28, 2003 Share Posted October 28, 2003 5 games worth of work and then he'll be like gardener affter he finds a sucker to pay him big money Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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