Why was former NFL player JaMarcus Russell fired as a high school football coach?

JaMarcus Russell was the top pick in the 2007 NFL Draft after impressing in college with LSU, throwing 6,625 yards for 52 touchdowns in three years. Before that he starred for Williamson High School in Mobile, Alabama but he has been less successful on his return.

Russell had returned to Williamson High School to take up a volunteer role as an assistant coach but he has been fired after allegedly pocketing part of a $74,000 donation to the school. The former NFL quarterback reportedly contacted local business owner Chris Knowles to ask for funds to purchase sporting equipment for the school’s weight room. It is alleged that Russell, instead of passing it on to the school, deposited the check in a credit union and swiftly withdrew $55,000.

“JaMarcus Russell was relieved of his volunteer coaching duties at Williamson High School during the fall of last year,” Mobile County Public School officials have confirmed. “Earlier this week, it was reiterated to Mr. Russell that he is not permitted to be around the Football program or on school campus.”

JaMarcus Russell’s fall from NFL Draft fame

From being the most highly-prized prospect of his draft cohort, Russell’s career in NFL never really got going. He was snapped up by the Oakland Raiders in 2007 but slumped to a 7-18 record as a starter across three seasons with the team. He managed just 18 touchdown passes in that time and is frequently cited as one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history.

His three years with the Raiders was the extent of Russell’s NFL career and he was released in 2010. After trying out with various different teams he claimed in 2016 to have sent letters to all 32 NFL teams, offering to play one year for free if given the opportunity to return to the professional game.

He was arrested in July 2010 for possession of codeine without a valid prescription and has subsequently admitted that he tested positive for the drug during his time with the Raiders. The loss of his high school posting is the latest issue to beset the one-time superstar.