End of a Bad Era

And just like that the case is closed:  JaMarcus Russell is the biggest bust in NFL history.  Having now been arrested for illegal possession of codeine syrup, his career is done.  Codeine syrup can be combined with soda (Sprite(!)) and candy (Jolly Rancher (!!)) to make a seemingly potent mixture, which presumably is partly beloved because it doesn't show up on NFL drug screens--though I have not yet read that last bit, I can't figure out why else someone would want to mix what sounds like a rather repulsive concoction when there are surely more efficient illegal substances available for sale at the same street corners where codeine syrup can be purchased.  The mind races further at this bit of info--does said concoction turn one into an incredibly lethargic, lazy individual or does it simply amplify such character traits--is it possible that Russell was playing the game when under the influence, or are there lingering aftereffects?  The mind reels.  Number one pick in the draft.  What a waste.

It also turns out that the rumors about Russell's use of this substance were widespread, but the Oakland reporters could never get a solid enough source to report the story.  That raises the possibility that the Raiders found out about the problem, which would explain why Davis suddenly soured on Russell in the middle of the season last year, why the Raiders gave him a babysitter in the offseason, and why they cut him earlier in the year.

Our long national nightmare is over and now there is no danger of it coming back.

So, let us once again return to the happy days of yore when all things Raider were good.  Like this--surely the greatest bit of video footage ever.  It brightens my day every time I see it.