And now, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Vic Tafur, the Raiders have paid Russell another $3 million in a settlement over his disputed rookie contract.
More details via Tafur:
(Russell) had been paid $36.4 million and was still owed $3 million at the time of his release. The Raiders filed a grievance against Russell, seeking repayment of $9.55 million in salary advances, and Russell filed a grievance of his own, saying he was owed an additional $9 million.
The Raiders’ grievance was based on their contention that the contract was changed at one point during Russell’s time with the organization. But the two sides were set to go to court recently, when a source close to the situation said the Raiders and Russell decided to settle.
The Raiders declined comment. Russell’s new agent, Eugene Parker, was unavailable for comment.
Russell’s previous agent, Eric Metz, told Yahoo Sports in 2010 that “The money in question was fully guaranteed. That is why JaMarcus was forced to hold out and miss all of training camp as a rookie.”
Russell last attempted a pass in an NFL game on Jan. 3, 2010. Three years later to the month, the former first overall pick -- who weighed more than 300 pounds at the time -- announced he was mounting his latest NFL comeback. By May, Russell had dropped 50 pounds, and in June the Bears brought him in for a tryout.
For now, Russell remains unsigned, although he would reportedly play in the CFL if an NFL opportunity doesn't present itself in the coming weeks and months. Whatever happens, he's $3 million richer.
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