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Ex-Raiders QB Russell arrested on drug charge

By theGrio

10:16 AM on 07/06/2010

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In this photo released by Mobile (Ala.) County Sheriff's Office shows JaMarcus Russell on Monday, July 5, 2010 in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Mobile (Ala.) County Sheriff's Office )

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) -- Alabama authorities say former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell has been charged with possession of codeine syrup -- a controlled substance -- without a prescription.

Mobile County Sheriff's spokeswoman Lori Myles says the 24-year-old former LSU star was arrested Monday afternoon at his home during an undercover investigation. He graduated from high school in Mobile.

Online records show he was booked into the Mobile jail and released on $2,500 bond.

WATCH NBC SPORTS COVERAGE OF RUSSELL'S ARREST HERE:

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The Raiders released Russell in May, just three years after being the No. 1 overall draft pick.

He won only seven of his 25 starts and was eventually benched. He's been criticized for lack of a work ethic.

Russell and his agent did not immediately return calls for comment.