Cowboys Judging Interest In Released Russell

[TK]

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=859908B5-0C16-653F-8BD8450B0ECF4B19

Cowboys Judging Interest In Released Russell

Nick Eatman

DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer

October 28, 2003, 8:15 p.m. (CDT)

IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys have been looking for a big-bodied defensive tackle since the spring draft and a rather talented one just became available.

Defensive tackle Darrell Russell was reinstated Monday by the NFL after serving a 1½-year suspension, but the Oakland Raiders decided they wanted no part of their problematic former first-round draft choice, releasing the two-time Pro Bowler and relinquishing his rights.

Assuming Russell passes through waivers, considering his hefty base salaries, and one reason the Raiders were forced to let him go, he will be free to sign with the team of his choice. And the Cowboys at least spent time on Tuesday mulling over the possibility of going after Russell, who is expected to be pursued by Washington, this Sunday's opponent.

Redskins head coach Steve Spurrier said he expected the team to have contact with Russell "in the near future." Washington has also coveted a big defensive tackle after losing both Daryl Gardner and Dan Wilkinson from last year's team. Spurrier seemed to indicate the Redskins would bring Russell in for a visit.

Russell, a two-time Pro Bowler with the Raiders, was expected to clear waivers because of his $10 million salary few teams have room to absorb at this point of the season. He has been suspended twice, initially for four games in 2001 after failing to comply with the league's drug policy. A few months later he was suspended for a year after a failed drug test, and that suspension then was moved to indefinite. During his suspension, Russell was charged with drugging a woman with the "date-rape drug" GHB and videotaping two friends raping her. Russell was charged as an accomplice in the Jan. 31, 2002, incident, but all 25 felony counts were dropped Sept. 12, 2002, for a lack of evidence.

In the last two weeks, Cowboys have signed two lesser-known defensive tackles for the bottom of the roster and practice squad with some history of problems. The Cowboys last week signed Leonardo Carson, who played his first game with the team at Tampa Bay. Carson is facing potential assault charges in Alabama. The club also added rookie Jermaine Brooks to the practice squad, replacing Colston Weatherington, who was released. Brooks recently plea-bargained a drugs and weapons charge from last year when at Arkansas, and is currently facing a 10-year probation.