JaMarcus Russell Sees Life Coach Quit On Comeback Bid, But is There Any Hope Left For Comeback Bid?
Former first overall pick-turned biggest bust in NFL history JaMarcus Russell's slim hopes for a second chance in the NFL were dealt a serious blow yesterday, when it was reported that the quarterback's life coach, John Lucas, quit trying to help the former Oakland Raider get in shape for a comeback, according to a Yahoo Sports report.
Lucas, who has helped several pro athletes overcome drug and alcohol issues, reportedly grew tired of trying to motivate Russell to get in shape, eventually getting so frustrated with the whole ordeal that he just quit.
This is just the latest slide in what has been a catastrophic fall from grace for the former first overall pick of the Oakland Raiders. Russell entered the NFL as one of the most promising talents in recent memory, with a cannon for an arm and good size and mobility as well.
He was incredibly raw, and the Raiders quickly learned that the quarterback was unwilling to work hard to improve. They put up with his antics for three years before releasing him prior to last season.
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But, because it was the NFL, Russell was given another shot, getting workouts with both the Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins, as well as getting a meeting with Baltimore Ravens GM/ Hall of Fame inductee Ozzie Newsome.
Russell seemed content to fizzle out in both workouts, showing up in terrible shape (reportedly weighed in at 288 pounds in Washington and 292 pounds two weeks later in Miami), and getting busted for possession of a controlled substance.
At this point, the hopes of any kind of comeback for the gifted, but apparently incredibly lazy Russell have to be considered slim to none. He doesn't seem to care that people, including Lucas, NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, and even Newsome, are willing to work with him to get back in shape and try to fulfill his considerable physical talents.
Has there ever been a more disappointing player in NFL history? Even Ryan Leaf managed to pull himself together enough to get the Cowboys to give him a second chance, but Russell seems content to eat himself out of another NFL job.
Russell's laziness is probably the most frustrating part of this whole story. I realize he got a ton of money right out of the gate, but is it really worth all of it to be known forever as the biggest bust, the most tremendous disappointment in NFL history by not working hard to earn the money you were given?
Apparently, for JaMarcus Russell it is, which is why it's safe to say he won't be missed.
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