Russell reinstated by NFL

[Gunzlingr]

Troubled Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Darrell Russell was reinstated by the NFL on Monday after serving a 1 1/2-season suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, then was released by the Raiders.

He now can be claimed off waivers.

Coach Bill Callahan said in the offseason the Raiders were moving on without Russell, who had rape charges against him dropped in September 2002.

Callahan also has said he has no interest in having Russell back on the team.

"I'm on record as saying so," Callahan said Monday, though he wouldn't elaborate.

Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen said Russell's problems outweighed the success he had with the franchise. Russell has a $9 million annual salary and has a $l.66 million signing bonus the Raiders are still responsible for. They've already accounted for that against the salary cap, Allen said.



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[jbisset]

If the Bills can get Russell cheap, they should look at him. If for not else to drive the price another team pays for him up.

[Gunzlingr]

Courtship of Russell heats up

The Washington Redskins opened an aggressive courtship of controversial defensive tackle Darrell Russell yesterday, flying him from Los Angeles to Chicago to meet with owner Dan Snyder over dinner, team officials said.
Vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato boarded Snyder's private jet Monday night to accompany Russell to Chicago, where the NFL owners' meetings begin today.
Giving Russell the same whirlwind treatment afforded players like Randy Thomas and Brandon Noble at the start of free agency, the Redskins planned to bring him back to Redskin Park today and perhaps close a quick deal to bolster their no-name defensive interior.
Some in Russell's camp, however, were said to want to take the signing process slowly. Several other teams were said to have expressed interest, including Miami and Tampa Bay. The latter is coached by Russell's former coach in Oakland, Jon Gruden.
Russell also was in the process of changing agents from Leigh Steinberg to Gary Wichard, NFL sources said. But sources said Steinberg would waive the mandatory five-day waiting period before a player's new agent can begin negotiating.

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[Gunzlingr]

Redskins sign Russell for rest of season

In a marriage of convenience, one meant to boost Washington's undermanned defensive front and allow Darrell Russell to reclaim a once promising career, the Redskins have signed the formerly banished veteran tackle, ESPN.com has learned.

The one-year deal, agreed to after Russell huddled with Redskins owner Dan Snyder in Chicago Tuesday night and then met with Washington coaches early Wednesday, carries a base salary of $1.5 million. But prorated over the remaining nine weeks of the season, it is worth just shy of $800,000.

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[Dozerdog]

Marriage made in heaven.

Next time Snyder wants to rape the Jets roster, Russell can hold the camcorder

[Gunzlingr]

[Gunzlingr]

Redskins Sign Controversial Player to Bolster Inside Defense

The Washington Redskins agreed to a contract yesterday with free agent defensive tackle Darrell Russell, a two-time Pro Bowl selection with the Oakland Raiders who is trying to return to the NFL after having his promising career derailed by off-the-field troubles that included a drug suspension and felony charges in a rape case.

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[Gunzlingr]

Russell out to impress Redskins

Darrell Russell didn't know what to expect from himself. After all, it had been 18 months since he had strapped on pads and participated in a full NFL practice.
The Washington Redskins didn't know what to expect either from their newest addition on his first full day with the team. Would the experience be like riding a bike or would the veteran defensive tackle look lost.
By the end of the day, all parties involved were cautiously optimistic.

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