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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A35605-2003Oct29.html

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Redskins to Negotiate With Russell

Former Pro Bowler Visited Redskins Park

By Mark Maske

Washington Post Staff Writer

Wednesday, October 29, 2003; 2:07 PM

The Washington Redskins were prepared to launch contract negotiations with free agent defensive tackle Darrell Russell, who visited Redskins Park today.

Russell was twice selected for the Pro Bowl when with the Oakland Raiders, but he has had legal troubles and a drug suspension.

Russell met Redskins players and coaches at the team's training facility in Ashburn, and it appeared possible that the two sides could complete a contract agreement soon.

"They have to work out the numbers,'' said Redskins defensive end Regan Upshaw, who was Russell's teammate with the Oakland Raiders and spoke to him today.

Russell was accompanied by family members and his new agent, Gary Wichard. Russell met Tuesday night in Chicago with Redskins owner Daniel Snyder -- who is attending an NFL owners' meeting there -- after being picked up in Snyder's private jet. Vinny Cerrato, the Redskins' vice president of football operations, rode on the plane to pick up Russell and his entourage in Los Angeles and accompanied them to Chicago and then back to the D.C. area.

The Redskins have been the most aggressive of the teams interested in Russell, who was released by the Raiders on Monday after being reinstated by the NFL from a suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He reportedly tested positive for Ecstasy.

Separately, he was charged with 25 felony counts stemming from a January 2002 incident in which he allegedly videotaped a woman being raped by two of his friends. But prosecutors, citing a lack of evidence, dropped all the charges in September 2002. Russell 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.

Russell, 27, became an unrestricted free agent when he cleared waivers Tuesday. No team wanted to claim him and be responsible for a prorated portion of the $10 million salary that he was to have this season under the terms of his contract with the Raiders.

© 2003 The Washington Post Company

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Well, if we can draw any indication about Mr. Russell's attitude regarding the game, now will be the time.

If he hims and haws over numbers and tries to meet with other teams before signing, it might be an indication that we should let him go elsewhere. He's now met with the VP, the owner and the team leaders (and possibly coaches) including a former teammate.

I would hope that if he truly wants to get his act together and begin playing football that he would jump at the chance to sign a contract and get on the field and put everything else behind him.

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"They have to work out the numbers,'' said Redskins defensive end Regan Upshaw, who was Russell's teammate with the Oakland Raiders and spoke to him today.

This is probably the most insiteful quote ever put into a an article. I know Maske (and I generally like his work) probably felt the need to add a quote to make the article more legit...but I think he could have found one a little better than Upshaws expert analysis of the situation.

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Originally posted by MAP16

Family members? What, did he bring his baby's mama along? What about his baby's mama's mama? Is your dealer considered family in souf Central???

His mom came along actually....

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.
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Originally posted by speedwagon20

He should be able to get in there for 5 or so plays I would think. I mean, there can't be TOO MUCH to this defense that they can't say "Go tackle the QB on this play" right?

Yeah...exactly.

If we put him in there on some passing downs, he could really be the emotional lift this D needs. At least he'll give some attitude to the d-line.

Remember when Ray Lewis was relieved from his case? He came onto the field so friggin' fired-up, he created a defense around him.

Now, Russell may not be Ray, but he does have a strong supporting cast that just needs a little push.

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Originally posted by bubba9497

I doubt he would be in a game that soon maybe in a couple weeks for the division stretch run at the end of the season.

Well what about Chaimberlain?

I know we didn't really have depth at TE, but he has played quite a bit.

He's made a couple of catches.

If he's even in shape, Russell could make an impact. I say the sooner the better.

It's not like he'll be put in too early and eff up all of the wonderful chemistry on the d-line!

What do we have to lose?

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