No

by Wayne Reeves

Created on: June 26, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

For JaMarcus Russell, being able to play football and make a potential career from it wasn't enough, to be drafted by the Oakland Raiders No.1 overall (in April 2007) wasn't enough, on advice from his agents he became a rookie holdout without ever practicing with the team. The insanity of the situation eventually came to an end in September 2007, when he agreed to a six-year, $68 million dollar contract with $31 million in guaranteed money.

For a player that had desires to succeed and win championships - it wasn't the most enthusiastic start to a professional footballer's life. Real desire to play the game would also have to be in serious doubt: to be willing to sit-out indefinitely before ever proving you have what it takes on the field, just because the financial incentives don't add up enough?

As with any rookies new to the NFL - none are worth the contracts they sign or negotiate over with their agents. The sad fact is that teams let this pre-season farce continue from year-to-year, with ever-increasing contract demands from unproven college players, with numbers bandied around that dwarf proven veteran players' income.

The NFL holdout needs to be wiped from the game altogether, there needs to be a structured contract scheme in place, especially where rookies are concerned. A rookie needs to prove that they can play in the league; a minimum offer should be given to all with the ability to add to it after the first year of play.

Veteran players don't exactly help the situation either - many threaten to sit out a season if the contract numbers don't fit in comparison to others at their position. If college players are encouraged to emulate these so-called role-models then talks about money will continue to spoil what is a great game.

Players like Russell are only inspiring more ludicrous expectations when draft day arrives, raw athletes suddenly see zeroes on a cheque and the game isn't so important anymore. Get that guaranteed money in the bank and you can flame-out in the same horrid fashion like a Ryan Leaf or Akili Smith.

JaMarcus Russell should've been walking into the Raiders' organisation and settling himself in for a training camp/pre-season battle for the starting quarterback spot, but he only played a cameo role in the 2007 season, playing in the last few games of the regular season. Fortunately for him, the Raiders were in such dire need that coach Lane Kiffin designated Russell the starter in 2008.

The not-so-small issue of $31 million dollars in JaMarcus Russell's bank account probably swung that in his favour. So this upcoming season, the pressure will be even greater on Russell, probably more-so than if he signed in good time last year. He created a problem before there was one, he showed his ultimate goal was to force the team's hand before a game had been played; the Raiders will hope he pans out as expected or another high draft pick goes off into NFL oblivion - that much richer.

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