Gunzlingr
10-28-2003, 09:17 AM
Washington Redskins players yesterday were divided over whether the club should sign defensive tackle Darrell Russell when he becomes a free agent.
Redskins players view themselves as a group of more or less solid citizens. Now they wonder whether Russell, who was reinstated yesterday from 1-1/2 years of suspension for drugs and other legal travails, would be a disruptive or perhaps even dangerous influence.
"I think the organization has done a good job of really checking guys out and making sure they're going to fit with our philosophy and just with the reputation the Redskins have," tackle Jon Jansen said. "It's a class organization. You don't want to bring one or two guys in and completely destroy a reputation you've spent 50 years building."
Russell was released by Oakland shortly after his reinstatement, a Raiders official said last night. Now Russell almost certainly will clear waivers because of his $9 million or $10 million salary (there was some dispute yesterday as to the exact figure). Few NFL teams have the salary cap room to absorb such a number, and none would be willing to do so for such a risky player.
more (http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20031027-115225-2110r.htm)
Redskins players view themselves as a group of more or less solid citizens. Now they wonder whether Russell, who was reinstated yesterday from 1-1/2 years of suspension for drugs and other legal travails, would be a disruptive or perhaps even dangerous influence.
"I think the organization has done a good job of really checking guys out and making sure they're going to fit with our philosophy and just with the reputation the Redskins have," tackle Jon Jansen said. "It's a class organization. You don't want to bring one or two guys in and completely destroy a reputation you've spent 50 years building."
Russell was released by Oakland shortly after his reinstatement, a Raiders official said last night. Now Russell almost certainly will clear waivers because of his $9 million or $10 million salary (there was some dispute yesterday as to the exact figure). Few NFL teams have the salary cap room to absorb such a number, and none would be willing to do so for such a risky player.
more (http://www.washtimes.com/sports/20031027-115225-2110r.htm)