JaMarcus Russell Fired From Coaching Job, Facing Lawsuit Over Theft Allegations

The downward spiral of former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell took another turn over the weekend after it was revealed that the ex-Raiders quarterback was fired as a volunteer assistant coach at Williamson High School in Mobile, Alabama, amid allegations he stole money from the school.

Per ESPN , Russell is facing a lawsuit that claims he stole a $74,000 donation check from Chris Knowles, who owns a local building company, that was meant for the school.

The lawsuit was filed in March 2023 by Navigator Credit Union, where Russell deposited the check. Russell withdrew $55,000 before payment was stopped on the check after Knowles was never given a donation receipt.

Knowles reportedly donated the money to help the football team buy equipment for its weight room, but the money never made it to the school and was instead deposited into Russell’s account in July 2022.

Russell starred at Williamson High before committing to LSU. He threw for an Alabama state record 10,774 yards en route to being a four-star recruit and the No. 2-ranked player in Alabama and No. 38-ranked player nationally, per 247Sports.

The 38-year-old, who was relieved of his coaching duties last year, was reportedly told to leave a football team event that he tried to attend last week.

“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, via ESPN.

Russell lasted just three seasons in the NFL after being drafted No. 1 overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2007. He went 7-18 as the team’s starter, passing for 4,083 yards, 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions with a passer rating of 65.2.