In a story reported by NFL.com and ESPN today, the Raiders filed a grievance requesting $9.5 million be returned to them by their former starting quarterback, JaMarcus Russell.
"We have filed a grievance against JaMarcus Russell, and that's all we're going to say at this time," said Raiders general counsel Jeff Birren in a prepared statement.
While most of the money Russell received is guaranteed money, according to Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network, some of that guaranteed money came in the form of advances on his salary for the upcoming season as well as 2011 and 2012.
Russell has received about $36.4 million in the three seasons he has played, and still was owed $3 million at the time he was cut, according to NFL.com.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that Davis wants his money back for seasons Russell won't be playing for him. This is completely in-character for Davis, and this move should come as no surprise.
Canfora said the ruling will hinge on how language in Russell's contract is interpreted since the money is "guaranteed", but Russell was cut prior to the contract being fulfilled.
It also won't take a genius to figure out this will add a whole new wrinkle to how rookie and even veteran contracts are worded, especially if the ruling falls in favor of the Raiders.
A ruling in favor of the Raiders would send shockwaves throughout the NFL, as guaranteed contracts have become the norm, and the way to get first-round draft picks and proven veterans to sign with your team.
If you take the "Guaranteed" out of the guarantee, upfront signing bonuses with no strings attached most likely will have to go up to compensate for potential cuts down the road.
Davis may be old, but he's still as wily as ever.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
