Football Line

In a NFL betting move many expected to happen earlier in the off-season, the Oakland Raiders have formally cut ties with former first overall pick JaMarcus Russell. After three years of being one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the game, as well as one of the most unproductive, the Raiders made announced the decision on Thursday through Senior Executive John Herrera, who told the Associated Press that the organization wished him well.

The decision came less than two weeks after the Raiders acquired former Redskins starting quarterback Jason Campbell from Washington to take over the job, and although it appeared as though owner Al Davis was unwilling to give up on his selection, eventually Russell's lack of work ethic and determination led to his dismissal. Davis just recently revealed to reporters that it was his personal decision to select Russell with the top pick in the 2007 draft, despite the head coach at the time Lane Kiffin vouching for the selection of wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who ended up being drafted by the Detroit Lions.

Russell's name will now be linked among the top busts in the history of the NFL draft, having already been paid upwards of $39 million despite just seven total sports betting wins. They still owe him $3 million this season, but saved a total $6.45 million by not keeping him on their roster for the 2010 season. Since the common draft in 1967, no other number one pick has been released this soon after being drafted.