The Big Flop: Is JaMarcus Russell Hurting Future LSU Recruiting Classes?

Former LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell has stirred up major controversy as his rap sheet grows after his release from the Oakland Raiders.

In recent weeks, his controversial and stained legacy has provoked bad feelings from high school scouting prospects and college football fans about the integrity of LSU, where Russell was molded into a star athlete.  

To give some history, Russell signed with the Oakland Raiders after being drafted with the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. He then became known throughout the coming years for being one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history.

After the 2009 season, Oakland released Russell and went on the hunt for a better leader.

Recently, Russell was arrested and charged with "possession of a controlled substance," being that he was caught with codeine syrup without a prescription. This was just another charge to add to his history of bad behavior, which began when he became a college athlete.

It has been made known that some prospects that have received scholarship offers from LSU might be passing up on the chance because they have seen what a bad example JaMarcus Russell has set throughout his time at the university and at the professional level. Some feel that his unruly behavior reflects the discipline and work ethic that LSU provides for its aspiring professional athletes.

Seeing that Russell has become one of the worst busts in the history of the NFL Draft, more than a few high school prospects are beginning to wonder whether the same would become of them if they choose to attend LSU.

This matter has prompted many concerned sports fans to believe that JaMarcus Russell is demoralizing LSU's prestigious reputation as a college football power house team.

As of now, questioning the integrity of the university is at an unfortunate all-time high.