JaMarcus Russell may not be guilty

Nov 22, 2009; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) walks off the field after the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bengal 20-17. Photo via Newscom

JaMarcus Russell may have escaped punishment from his possession of a controlled substance. A friend of his, Marcus Stevenson, told the judge at the courthouse that the codeine drink found in Russell’s bedroom actually belonged to him, not Russell.

Greg Evans, Stevenson’s lawyer said, “(Marcus) was willing to step forward and tell the truth.”

Russell still faces a charge of possession of a controlled substance after he was accused of having codeine syrup, which can be used to make a recreational beverage often known as “Purple Drank.” However it now appears that Russell will be exonerated of the charges.

Sheriff’s Deputy Johnny Thornton testified that the police executed a search warrant at Russell’s house in Mobile, Alabama at around 2 p.m. and found Russell laying in bed with a drink on his nightstand that later tested positive for codeine. Thornton said the drink appeared to be “freshly poured (as it) still had ice floating on the top.”

Investigators also found a codeine bottle in Russell’s cabinet, but the former Raiders QB had no prescription.

Stevenson said he mixed the drink after a night of partying with Russell and nobody else was involved in drinking the product. Russell is out of jail on $2,500 bail. An investigator said Stevenson, who was placed in cuffs upon his confession, will likely be charged with possession of a controlled substance.

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