Former No. 1 NFL draft pick JaMarcus Russell has been removed from the coaching staff at his alma mater, Williamson High School in Mobile, Alabama. He is also facing a lawsuit accusing him of misappropriating a donation intended for the school.
“JaMarcus Russell was relieved of his volunteer coaching duties at Williamson High School during the fall of last year,” Mobile County Public School officials told WKRG Sports.
Russell is accused of taking a $74,000 check meant to support the school’s football program and keeping the money for himself. Local business owner Chris Knowles, who wrote the check, claims Russell approached him about donating to help purchase weight room equipment for the team. However, the school never received the funds. Instead, Russell allegedly deposited the check in a credit union and withdrew $55,000 shortly after.
Russell, once a star player for Williamson High before attending LSU, is now no longer welcome at the school. When he attended a football team event this week, the district reminded him that he is not permitted on campus.
“Earlier this week, it was reiterated to Mr. Russell that he is not permitted to be around the football program or on school campus,” the school district said in a statement to WKRG.
JaMarcus Russell, now 38, was the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. He played 25 games for the Raiders over three seasons, ending his NFL career with a 52.1 percent completion rate, 18 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions.
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