Yet another benching of former first-overall pick JaMarcus Russell has reports of the nuclear option being considered at Oakland Raiders headquarters. The Associated Press is reporting that the Raiders are considering giving up and cutting Russell.
"There's increasing speculation the Raiders might be looking to sever ties with Russell," the AP reports, "who signed a six-year contract in 2007 that included more than $30 million in guarantees."
Russell, of course, would have other ideas. He's still owed some $15 million over the next three seasons, and does not sound receptive over re-negotiating any of that because of performance issues. "Oh no," Russell told reporters last week, when asked about renegotiating his contract. "That’s over and done with. I don’t even consider that as a part of it."
Coach Tom Cable was asked point blank if the organization was giving up on Russell. "It’s too early for all that," Cable told the Oakland Tribune." Right now we want to find a way to win these last three games. At this point, this is what we feel, that I feel is the best thing for us.”
It's the best thing for a coach who's desperately trying to hang onto his job. But it's amazing how the Raiders are finishing the season with both Cable and Russell both desperately trying to hang onto their jobs.
Joe Kukura is a freelance writer who points out that Russell is still going to be 2010 Mardi Gras King for the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association.
