Where are they now? JaMarcus Russell arrested in Mobile

It seems like decades since the hapless Oakland Raiders drafted quarterback JaMarcus Russell from LSU with the number one overall draft pick and proceeded to shovel out $61 million ($32 million guaranteed) to Big Ryan Leaf Jr. That particular horrible Oakland Raider draft decision was 2007 and since that time Russell has been released and is looking for work.

Not helping in his search for employment is that fact that he got himself arrested Monday afternoon in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama for possession of a controlled substance. Mobile County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman told AL.com that Russell was arrested at his home as part of an undercover investigation. Myles goes on to say that codeine syrup was found on the property but there was no corresponding prescription.

Here’s the arrest 411 from the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office web site:

Name: RUSSELL, JAMARCUS
Race/Sex/Age: B/M/24
Date of Birth: 08/09/1985
Booking No: 201000013901
Date Booked: 07/05/2010 16:22:27
Arresting Officer: MCSO/HARRIS
Case No: S10070106
Type: RELEASED
Charge: POSSESSION CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
Bond Amt: $2500
Address: 2325 RIVER FOREEST ,,MOBILE, AL 36605

Prior to his arrest, J.R. was last seen in the front offices of the New York Jets. The NFL franchise had invited Russell in (I assume he didn’t just show up) to talk about their open backup quarterbacking job, but Russell reportedly lost out in an unfair fight with perennial backup superstar Mark Brunell. When it rains it pours.

Mugshot Photo: Mobile County Sheriff’s Office

Second Photo: Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) fumbles the ball away after being sacked by New Orleans Saints defender Bobby McCray (93) in the fourth quarter during action at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans on October 12, 2008. (UPI Photo/A.J. Sisco)