Quarterback JaMarcus Russell, whom the Oakland Raiders selected No. 1 overall in 2007 and released in May after three disappointing seasons, said Thursday that he tested positive for codeine after he was drafted.
Russell told ESPN that he had a prescription at the time, but because it wasn't from a Raiders doctor, he failed the drug test. He also said the positive drug test is at the root of allegations against him of drug use and that he doesn't have a drug problem.
Russell was arrested in July for alleged possession of codeine, and on Wednesday, a Mobile, Ala., judge sent the case to a grand jury, despite testimony that the codeine-laced drink found at his home belonged to a longtime friend.
Russell, who starred in college at LSU, remains unsigned, but NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported late last month that a handful of teams have inquired about the quarterback.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
