Former NFL quarterback JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, was fired as a volunteer assistant coach at his alma mater, Williamson High School in Mobile, Alabama, and is facing a lawsuit. That suit alleges that Russell took a $74,000 check intended as a donation to the school.
"JaMarcus Russell was relieved of his volunteer coaching duties at Williamson High School during the fall of last year," Mobile County Public School officials told WKRG Sports.
The lawsuit began after local business owner Chris Knowles wrote the $74,000 check, after Russell allegedly asked hinm for a donation to help the Williamson football team buy equipment for the weight room. But the school allegedly never received the check, and Russell is believed to have deposited it in a credit union. He allegedly withdrew $55,000 of the funds from tht check.
Along with being fired from his volunteer job, Russell is not allowed on the school's campus, per a press release from from Mobile County Public School officials. He attended an event for the football team following the accustions and was told he was not welcome.
"Earlier this week, it was reiterated to Mr. Russell that he is not permitted to be around the football program or on school campus," the school district said in a statement to WKRG.
Russell, 38, first starred at Williamson as a big QB with a strong arm. He then played for LSU, throwing for 6,625 yards and 52 touchdowns in three years, drawing comparisons to former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
But it never turned out that way. Per the Associated Press:
"Russell started 25 games for the Raiders over three seasons. He ended his NFL career with a 52.1% completion rate, 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions and is regarded as perhaps the biggest NFL draft bust.
"He earned more than $36.4 million in salary and bonuses during his NFL career."
