In a dramatic turn of events, former NFL quarterback JaMarcus Russell is at the center of a controversy involving a $74,000 donation intended for the football program at his alma mater, Williamson High School. The once-promising star, who joined the Williamson football staff in 2018, was removed from his volunteer assistant coaching position in the middle of last season.
According to Mobile County Public School officials, “JaMarcus Russell was relieved of his volunteer coaching duties at Williamson High School during the fall of last year,” as reported to WKRG Sports. This removal coincides with allegations that Russell misappropriated a substantial donation meant to benefit the school’s football team.
The donation, made by a local building company owned by Russell, Selwonk Enterprises, was purportedly intended to purchase weight-room equipment for the Lions. However, sources close to the Williamson program claim that the football team never received the money. The situation escalated after Russell failed to provide a receipt and ceased communication.
Adding to the complexity, Navigator Credit Union is suing Russell for nearly $55,000, a portion of the check they mistakenly paid to him on the same day of the deposit. The lawsuit, filed in March 2023, alleges that Russell requested the money as a loan. Russell admitted to depositing the check but denied any wrongdoing. The case is slated for trial in October, with both sides preparing to present their arguments.
Despite his removal from the coaching staff, Russell recently attended an off-campus event where the Lions were competing, prompting a stern warning from MCPSS officials. They reiterated that Russell is not permitted to be around the football program or on school campus.
JaMarcus Russell, who once shone brightly as a star quarterback at Williamson and later at LSU, now finds his legacy once again overshadowed by controversy. Drafted first overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2007, Russell’s NFL career was marked by underperformance and criticism. He signed a massive rookie contract worth $61 million, with $32 million guaranteed, which was the largest at the time. However, his three seasons with the Raiders yielded only 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions, and he earned more than $36.4 million in salary and bonuses. Ultimately, he was released by the Raiders and is widely regarded as the league’s biggest draft bust.