Raiders file a grievance against Russell, want $9.55 mil back

[gg no re]

The Oakland Raiders have filed a grievance against former quarterback JaMarcus Russell(notes) seeking repayment of $9.55 million, according to two NFL sources familiar with the situation.

According to one of the sources, the grievance is based on the contention by the Raiders that the contract was changed at one point during Russell’s three-year stint with the organization and that he’s not allowed to keep all of the money he had collected prior to his May 7 release. Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft, was guaranteed $32 million as part of a six-year contract reportedly worth $68 million.

Part of the guaranteed $32 million was originally in the form of salary advances for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 seasons. A portion of those salaries is in question, according to the grievance.

One of Russell’s agents, Eric Metz, had no comment when contacted by Yahoo! Sports Thursday. Russell’s other agent, Ethan Lock, was not immediately available. Raiders spokesman John Herrera did not immediately comment when contacted about the matter.

Russell will be represented in the grievance by the NFL Players Association.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...rievance052710

[mexican_texan]

Is Russell attempting to come back and play?

[gg no re]

Russell has good hustle, but he knows he can't play the Raiders again.

[Kulluminatii]

I wouldn't be surprised if he already spent it all...

Good luck Raiders in getting back 9.5mill worth of ribs, burgers, fries, and other assorted delicacies .

[Hagar]

Just more evidence of the ineptness of the Raider's front office and ownership. At age 80, how much longer can Al Davis keep this charade going?

The Raiders were one of my favorite teams growing up, but now I just cringe every time I read about them.

[Kulluminatii]

Originally Posted by Hagar

Just more evidence of the ineptness of the Raider's front office and ownership. At age 80, how much longer can Al Davis keep this charade going?

I'd say quite a bit longer. His mom died at the age of 103...so we'll be seeing senile Al "alive and well" for at least another 10 years .

*EDIT* Guess Al isn't as senile as I thought, the man still has got (some of) it.

A few points on Russell

By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 6:20 pm in Oakland Raiders.

While Steve Corkran works on the nuts and bolts of the grievance process by the Raiders against quarterback JaMarcus Russell, a few quick observations:

– Now we know why Russell was invited to the mandatory minicamp. The Raiders were hoping he wouldn’t show, because they were contemplating making a move to recover money for some time.

– Turn back the clock to Russell’s contract impasse and Al Davis stating his issues with the process. Davis said the problem was “forfeiture” in the event things went south.

You wonder if Davis was having buyer’s remorse not long after making the selection.

– While I’m of the opinion the Raiders did their part to ensure Russell’s failure because of the Davis-Lane Kiffin feud and the general environment provided a risky talent, they should be applauded for trying to recover as much money as they can. Yahoo Sports reports they want $9.55 million back.

No matter how bad the situation was in Oakland, Russell’s lack of dedication to his craft was inexcusable. If the Raiders discovered a way to add a loophole to the contract during renegotiation which will allow them to recover money, good for them.

– This shouldn’t hurt the Raiders where signing players in the future is concerned. They’ve taken their lumps with poor signings in the past and paid out the money. Russell was simply an extreme case and I’m guessing his former teammates are OK with it.

– The way Russell goes through money, judging from his jewelry, jaunts to Las Vegas and generally lavish spending habits, you wonder if he’ll have $.9.55 million to return to the Raiders if he loses the grievance.

The Raiders are confirming only that the grievance exists and nothing else, releasing a statement from attorney Jeff Birren.

“We have filed a grievance against JaMarcus Russell and that’s all we’re going to say at this time,” Birren said.

Link: http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraider...ts-on-russell/

[Blake]

I guess I dont understand how you give a guy guaranteed money, cut him, and then file against him to get 10 million back. Does that make sense to anyone else? Its not like he quit the team. He was canned.

"Part of the guaranteed $32 million was originally in the form of salary advances for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 seasons. A portion of those salaries is in question, according to the grievance."

Lol - Does the quote above sound like guaranteed money to anyone? So are the Raiders saying that of his 32 million guaranteed, only 22 million is guaranteed? That just sounds silly. You made the mistake of drafting him, or not being able to teach him and now you have to pay for your actions.

[BigTimeTexanFan]

Al Davis has been doing this with players and coaches for some time now. Big surprise.

[b0ng]

Remember when Warren Sapp said that playing for the Raiders was horrible? I still believe it.