MOBILE, Ala., July 20 (UPI) -- Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell pleaded not guilty in an Alabama court Tuesday to a charge of possessing a controlled substance.
Appearing before a judge in Mobile, Russell entered the plea in connection with a July 5 arrest in which he was taken into custody as part of an undercover police sting operation.
Authorities alleged the former signal-caller had codeine syrup at his home without a prescription.
Russell's attorney, Donald Briskman, told the Mobile Press-Register, "We're looking forward to the hearing on August 11. I asked the court to set it early so we could get this behind us."
Russell, a former star at LSU, was released by the Raiders in May after Oakland selected him with its top pick in the 2007 draft. He compiled a 7-18 record before his release.
