Former NFL No. 1 overall draft pick and LSU standout quarterback JaMarcus Russell is embroiled in a legal battle over a $74,000 check intended as a donation for the football program at his alma mater, Williamson High School. Russell, who joined the Williamson football staff in 2018, was removed from his volunteer assistant coaching position in the middle of last season.
Mobile County Public School officials confirmed Russell’s removal, stating, “JaMarcus Russell was relieved of his volunteer coaching duties at Williamson High School during the fall of last year.” However, they did not provide specific details on what led to this decision, citing personnel matters. It remains unclear if the lawsuit played a role in his removal.
Court documents reveal that JaMarcus Russell deposited and cashed a $74,000 check at Navigator Credit Union in July 2022. The check was written by Chris Knowles, a local business owner, who intended the money as a donation to the Williamson football program on behalf of his company, Selwonk Enterprises. Sources close to the Williamson program indicate that the football team never received the funds.
Knowles, a lifelong LSU fan, claims that Russell approached him in the summer of 2022, requesting a donation to help the football program purchase weight-room equipment. After writing the check to Russell, Knowles later stopped payment when Russell failed to provide a receipt for the donation and ceased returning his phone calls.
Navigator Credit Union is suing Russell for nearly $55,000, a portion of the check that was paid to him by mistake on the same day of the deposit. The lawsuit, filed in March 2023, alleges that the money was “lent” to Russell by the credit union at his request. When contacted, Russell’s attorney, Donald Briskman, declined to comment on the case.
In response to the lawsuit, Russell filed a counterclaim against Knowles for stopping payment on the check. Russell admits to depositing the check but denies any wrongdoing, according to court documents. The case is scheduled to go to trial in October.
Sources close to the Williamson football program reported that Russell recently attended an off-campus event where the Lions football team was competing. This prompted a letter from Mobile County Public School officials to Williamson staff members, reiterating that Russell is not permitted to be around the football program or on school campus.
Russell’s football career began at Williamson High School, where he was a star quarterback before signing to play at LSU in 2003. During his college career, he threw for 6,625 yards and 52 touchdowns over three years before turning professional. Russell was the top pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. In his three seasons with the Raiders (2007-2009), he recorded 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions, earning more than $36.4 million in salary and bonuses. Despite his early promise, Russell is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s biggest draft busts.
The allegations against Russell have cast a shadow over his post-NFL career. The lawsuit accuses him of misappropriating funds intended for the football program at his alma mater, a serious charge that has led to his removal from the coaching staff. The situation has also raised questions about his conduct and integrity, given the significant amount of money involved and the impact on the football program.
Russell’s recent appearance at a Williamson football event, despite being barred from the program, has further complicated matters. Mobile County Public School officials reiterated that he is not allowed to be around the team or on school property, underscoring the severity of the situation.
As the trial date approaches, the outcome of the case remains uncertain. Russell’s counterclaim against Knowles adds another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings. Both parties are preparing for a court battle that will determine the resolution of the $74,000 donation dispute.
The case has drawn significant attention, not only because of Russell’s high-profile status as a former NFL player but also due to the serious nature of the allegations. The trial will be closely watched by those in the sports community and beyond, as it addresses issues of trust, accountability, and the proper handling of charitable donations.
In the meantime, Russell’s reputation continues to be scrutinized, and the impact of the lawsuit on his future endeavors remains to be seen. The trial in October will be a critical moment for both Russell and the Williamson football program, as they seek to resolve the controversy and move forward.
Source: WKRG News 5, Nexstar Media Inc.
