MOBILE, Ala. – Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 overall pick and possibly the biggest bust in the history of the NFL Draft, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, codeine syrup?

Yeah, that’s not a typo, codeine syrup.

 It’s hard not to wonder if this is a case of the Alabammy poe-lice really reaching here. Now cocaine, steroids, even marijuana are substances you expect the police to clean the streets of but a prescription liquid for colds, hhhhmmmm.

Russell, 24 years old, was arrested at his home in Alabama on Monday; cuffed and cheesed for a mugshot.

The former LSU star was busted as part of an undercover narcotics investigation so we have to wonder if the police expected to find a different substance when they searched the home but decided to go for the consolation prize. . . syrup without a prescription.

After taking the mug and doing the other formalities, Russell was released after posting a $2,500 bond.

Russell owns one of the worst career passer ratings ever for a high drafted quarterback, completing 52.1 percent of his passes, with 18 touchdowns, 23 interceptions, 15 lost fumbles and a passer rating of 65.2.

Despite his failures on the field, Russell banked over $36 million during his time in Oakland.

MORE Sports Mugshots at Jocks Behind Bars

Used with permission of the author.

Jay Donetelli is a freelance sportswriter and contributor to Sports Climax. With an opinion sometimes sharper than an Ovechkin skate blade with the sting of an Ali jab, Donetelli has a loyal following of supporters who have found a way to love him.

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