ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Oakland Raiders responded to former JaMarcus Russell’s recent arrest on Wednesday by saying they did all they could to help the former No. 1 overall pick before releasing him two months ago.
The Raiders issued a statement two days after Russell was charged with possession of a controlled substance — codeine syrup — after being arrested at his home in Mobile, Ala.
“We did all that we could to intervene and assist with a myriad of issues with JaMarcus Russell,” the statement said. “NFL policy restricts our ability to comment publicly at this time. Therefore, those in the media who declare what the Raiders knew or should have known or what the Raiders did or should have done, are reckless, irresponsible and offensive, and do a disservice to all concerned, including the public.”
The 24-year-old former LSU star was arrested Monday as part of a two-month undercover narcotics investigation, said Mobile County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Lori Myles. She would not say what led to his arrest. She said he did not have a prescription for the codeine.
Russell was released earlier in May after three disappointing seasons with the team. He had been paid about $36.4 million through last season and was still owed $3 million at the time of his release.
The Raiders have filed a grievance seeking $9.55 million from Russell in what they say was paid as salary advances for the 2010-12 seasons.
Russell won only seven of his 25 starts as the Raiders extended an NFL-worst streak to seven straight seasons with at least 11 losses. He completed just 52.1 percent of his passes in his career with 18 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, 15 lost fumbles and a passer rating of 65.2.
Russell was fined last year for being overweight when he showed up at training camp. He then put together one of the worst seasons in recent memory for an NFL quarterback. He completed 48.8 percent of his passes, with three touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 50.0 passer rating that was the lowest in 11 years.
He lost his job midway through last season and was eventually released on May 6, shortly after the team’s mandatory minicamp.
Ferguson agrees to extension
NEW YORK — Pro Bowl left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson agreed Wednesday to terms on a contract extension with the New York Jets, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. A second person familiar with the negotiations said it’s a six-year deal for $60 million. Both people requested anonymity because the deal had not yet been signed. Ferguson, selected to his first Pro Bowl last season, is one of the anchors of an offensive line that helped the Jets lead the league in rushing a year ago. Ferguson was the team’s first-round draft pick, fourth overall, in 2006. He was entering the fifth year of his $37.5 million rookie deal.
Walker attacker gets life
LAS VEGAS — An 11-time convicted felon has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for kidnapping, robbing and beating an NFL player two years ago. An attorney for 42-year-old Deshawn Lamont Thomas promised to appeal after Clark County District Court Judge Douglas Smith sentenced Thomas on Wednesday as a habitual criminal. A jury convicted Thomas in April after five days of testimony, including an account of the attack from the 31-year-old Walker.
New credit card deal
NEW YORK — British banker Barclays is taking over the credit card business for the NFL, pushing out Bank of America with its first sports credit card deal. But the move has cardholders scrambling to spend reward points before time runs out next month on Bank of America’s “NFL Extra Points” program. Fans have until the end of August. Barclays’ new program begins in September.
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