Former Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell appeared in court today in Mobile, Alabama, where a friend attempted to accept the blame for Russell’s July arrest.
The friend, Marcus Stevenson, claimed the illegal codeine syrup found in Russell’s home belonged to him, WKRG in Mobile reports. After making that claim in open court, Stevenson was arrested on a charge of possession of a controlled substance.
But Stevenson taking responsibility didn’t absolve Russell of responsibility. District Judge Charles McKnight said a grand jury will review the case against Russell. Russell has pleaded not guilty to the felony drug possession charge.
Although the testimony of Stevenson seems intended to absolve Russell, the testimony of Mobile County Sheriff’s Corporal Johnny Thornton told a different story.
“There was nine individuals inside the residence. I actually came into contact with Mr. Russell, who was inside the master bedroom in bed,” Thornton testified, per Fox 10 in Mobile. “When I asked him to show me his hands, he complied and I noticed a Styrofoam cup with an orange liquid in it and it looked freshly poured. The cup was on a night stand; still had ice floating in the top.”
Thornton went on to testify that the orange liquid was tested at a lab and shown to include codeine.