TK Posted October 29, 2003 Share Posted October 29, 2003 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A31302-2003Oct28.html Russell, Redskins Meet Ailing Smoot Likely Won't Play Sunday By Mark Maske Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, October 29, 2003; Page D01 Washington Redskins officials, including owner Daniel Snyder, were scheduled to meet last night with Darrell Russell to determine whether to continue to pursue the talented but troubled defensive tackle. The Redskins, meantime, were making plans to play Sunday's game at Dallas without Fred Smoot but were hoping to have fellow cornerback Rashad Bauman in the lineup despite a sprained ankle. Russell became an unrestricted free agent when he cleared waivers yesterday, a day after being released by the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders waived him Monday after he was reinstated by the NFL from a suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, reportedly for testing positive for the drug Ecstasy. Vinny Cerrato, the Redskins' vice president of football operations, went in Snyder's private jet to Los Angeles to pick up Russell, his mother and his new agent, Gary Wichard. They were scheduled to meet Snyder in Chicago, where he is attending an NFL owners meeting. According to sources, Snyder has been receiving conflicting advice about whether to sign Russell, 27. Some of his closest advisors have told him to steer clear because of Russell's past. Russell was charged with 25 felony counts as an accomplice in a January 2002 incident in which he was accused of videotaping a woman being raped by two of his friends. But prosecutors, citing a lack of evidence, dropped all the charges in September 2002. He also was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, reportedly just after leaving a legal brothel in Nevada, while on suspension from the NFL and awaiting his rape trial. Others have urged Snyder to sign Russell, arguing that Russell has paid for his misdeeds, deserves another chance and is a talented player who could help the Redskins. He was the second overall choice in the 1997 draft from Southern California and was selected to two Pro Bowls while with the Raiders. Other Redskins officials previously had said that, after looking into Russell's background, they thought the signing would be justified. Some people who know Russell say he is smart and makes a favorable impression, but gets into trouble off the field because of the people with whom he associates. However, Coach Steve Spurrier has been opposed to acquiring players with troubled pasts -- he was adamantly against the club signing veteran tight end Mark Chmura, for instance -- since he joined the Redskins. It was possible that, after the meeting in Chicago, Russell would continue east to visit Redskins Park, perhaps today. If all goes well, the Redskins could sign Russell soon. No team wanted to claim Russell off waivers because that would have meant picking up a prorated portion of his $10 million salary with the Raiders. The Redskins expected other clubs to pursue him as a free agent. But as of yesterday it appeared that the Redskins were, by far, his most serious suitor. Wichard, who has a close relationship with Cerrato, said earlier yesterday that he had not officially become Russell's representative, but other NFL sources said that Wichard had been all but hired after Russell decided to switch agents. He previously had been represented by Leigh Steinberg. The Redskins had more immediate concerns as they prepared to face the NFC East-leading Cowboys -- particularly the availability of their cornerbacks. Smoot missed the Redskins' loss at Buffalo 10 days ago after suffering a fractured sternum the previous week against Tampa Bay. He was scheduled to be examined by doctors yesterday, but Redskins officials said they didn't think that Smoot would play in Dallas. Bauman, who replaced Smoot in the starting lineup in Buffalo, suffered a sprained ankle during Monday's practice. He said yesterday that he hoped to play against the Cowboys, who have three gifted wide receivers in Joey Galloway, Terry Glenn and Antonio Bryant. "It got stiff overnight, but it feels a little better," Bauman said. "We'll see. We're trying to get it better." The Redskins signed cornerback Calvin Carlyle, who was in training camp with the Indianapolis Colts this past summer as an undrafted rookie from Oregon State, to bolster their depth yesterday, releasing linebacker Orantes Grant to clear a roster spot. But their next-best options are rookie Ade Jimoh and David Terrell, the former safety who served as the third cornerback against the Bills. "From my understanding, I think Rashad is still a go," Terrell said. "My understanding is, I'll still be playing the nickel if Fred can't go." © 2003 The Washington Post Company Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsbadd Posted October 29, 2003 Share Posted October 29, 2003 Originally posted by TK421CLICKER http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A31302-2003Oct28.html No team wanted to claim Russell off waivers because that would have meant picking up a prorated portion of his $10 million salary with the Raiders. The Redskins expected other clubs to pursue him as a free agent. But as of yesterday it appeared that the Redskins were, by far, his most serious suitor. © 2003 The Washington Post Company That's a big chunk of chamge for the Raiders to get burned for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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