For the record, the Raiders aren’t overly concerned with the Las Vegas excursion by JaMarcus Russell, saying he was in Sin City accompanied by someone with the club, and have no intention of taking Rich Gannon up on his offer to help the team reverse the tide of seven consecutive losing seasons.
Steve Corkran followed up on both issues today with senior executive John Hererra, who confirmed, “JaMarcus was in Las Vegas, and he was there with a (Raiders staff member). He was there for a legitimate reason.”
As for Gannon, Herrera’s company line made it clear the former MVP is persona non grata in Alameda.
“It’s Rich that needs the help,” Herrera said. “When he goes on a radio show offering Mr. Davis help, Tom Cable help, the Raiders help, maybe it’s Rich that needs the help.”
Herrera also said, “What does Rich Gannon think he has to offer that Paul Hackett can’t contribute, when he himself said Paul Hackett is the best quarterbacks coach that he ever had?”
The Raiders have also signed practice squad player to a future’s contract, tying him to the Raiders into next season. Wide receiver Paul Hubbard, center Tim Mattran, quarterback Jeff Otis and guard Brandon Robb were not retained.
In other news, according to Raiders.com, linebacker Sam Williams is the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, given for service to the community.
