National Football League

Ex-Raiders QB Russell arrested

Published Jul. 5, 2010 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell was arrested in Alabama on Monday for possession of a controlled substance, which was identified as codeine syrup, the Mobile County Sheriff's office said.

Police arrested Russell, 24, at his Alabama home early Monday afternoon. He was released after posting bail, shortly after 4 p.m.

The 24-year-old former LSU star and the No. 1 draft choice in 2007 was arrested as part of an undercover narcotics investigation, said Mobile County Sheriff's spokeswoman Lori Myles. She would not say what led to his arrest. She said he did not have a prescription for the codeine.

In three seasons with the Raiders, Russell played in 31 games, throwing for 4,083 yards and 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. He was released by the Raiders in May.

Oakland paid Russell about $36.4 million through the 2009 season. Since the start of the common draft in 1967, only one other No. 1 pick was released this quickly in his NFL career. Indianapolis cut 1992 top pick Steve Emtman after three seasons, but that was more because of injuries than production.

Russell and his agent did not immediately return calls for comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.