Raiders file grievance against Russell seeking money back

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders are trying to get nearly $10 million back from recently released quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

Yahoo! Sports first reported the story Thursday, saying the Raiders are seeking $9.55 million from Russell in what was paid as salary advances for the 2010-12 seasons. The team later confirmed the report.

"We have filed a grievance against JaMarcus Russell and that's all we're going to say at this time," Raiders general counsel Jeff Birren said in a statement.

Russell was released earlier this month after three disappointing seasons with the team. He had been paid about $36.4 million through last season and was still owed $3 million at the time of his release.

Russell's agent, Eric Metz, did not immediately return an e-mail seeking a comment. He earlier told Yahoo 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. The Raiders know that and this is our only comment."

After being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft, Russell's career in Oakland got off to a rocky start. He did not sign a contract until after the first regular season game of his rookie year in 2007 as the two sides haggled over the language of guaranteed money, among other issues.

He started just one game as a rookie before showing some signs of progress in his second season. He regressed last year as he was fined for being overweight and criticized by the coaching staff for his work ethic.

He ultimately lost his starting job midway through last season as his passer rating of 50.0 was the lowest in the NFL since 1998. Owner Al Davis finally decided to cut ties three weeks ago with the player he once believed would be his franchise quarterback.

Russell won only seven of his 25 starts in his career with Oakland. He completed just 52.1 percent of his passes in his career with 18 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, 15 lost fumbles and a passer rating of 65.2.

Russell has not yet signed with another team.