JaMarcus Russell Failed Drug Test After Being Drafted

JaMarcus Russell failed a drug test after the Raiders drafted him No. 1 overall in 2007, the free-agent quarterback told ESPN. Russell said that he tested positive for codeine -- he allegedly had a prescription at the time, but not one from a team doctor. Russell's disappointing NFL career has headed even further into oblivion since the end of the 2009 season. Oakland released Russell in May, then Russell was arrested in early July after being found in possession of codeine syrup, a controlled substance. The ex-Raider pleaded not guilty to the charge. Earlier this week, one of Russell's friends claimed responsibility for the codeine found in Russell's possession -- the drug with mixed into a drink referred to as "Purple Drank." Russell never came close to measuring up to his high draft status, struggling through three seasons in Oakland prior to his release. There were rumors earlier this offseason linking him to multiple NFL teams -- including the Jets -- but those whispers silenced after Russell's arrest. The Omaha Nighthawks of the UFL were also thought to be interested in Russell, though there has been no movement on that front either. Instead, it's growing increasingly likely that Russell's professional football days are already numbered, in which case he'd go down with 1998 No. 2 overall pick Ryan Leaf as one of the biggest busts in NFL history. Source: ESPN