JNT
The Bull
I can't think of another number 1 overall that has just disgraced himself. At least Tony Mandrich (No2 overall) stuck around for several years, and had a sub=par career. This guy had all the talent, and tools to make it. You can't discount desire.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=nfp-20110415_life_coach_john_lucas_gives_up_on_jamarcus_russell
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=nfp-20110415_life_coach_john_lucas_gives_up_on_jamarcus_russell
Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell(notes) hasn't gotten close to making it back to the NFL since being cut.
Now, the draft bust's life coach, John Lucas, is calling it quits.
He's done with Russell because the quarterback stopped working hard and reportedly no longer listens to advice, according to Yahoo! Sports.
Lucas hit his boiling point, per the report.
Lucas has a history of helping athletes deal with drug problems.
“The title of your article should be, ‘It’s Over,’ ” a source told Yahoo!. “It’s just amazing that you could say that about somebody who is 25 years old and just got drafted four years ago. But it’s been almost a year since he got cut and there’s no interest. Even before the lockout, nobody wanted to get near the kid.”
Per the report, Russell refused to meet with highly respected Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, a Hall of Fame tight end with the Cleveland Browns and an Alabama legend, in Russell's hometown of Mobile during the Senior Bowl. The meeting was intended to motivate Russell.
Russell has a prior arrest for possession of a controlled substance.
He was overweight for his workouts for the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Redskins last November, weighing nearly 300 pounds.
“It’s such a waste of talent,” the source said. “It’s hard to believe a guy with that much ability could let it just waste. It’s sad. … It’s like they say, you can’t coach desire.”