JaMarcus Russell, first overall draft pick with the Oakland Raiders in the 2007 NFL draft obviously did not start the Raider’s first preseason game on Saturday, still holding out from the Raiders until the contract money is right. Word of advice, Russell: there isn’t enough money in the world to justify playing for that wreck of a franchise. Both sides are reportedly no closer to a deal, and word has it that negotiations are getting "ugly."

Typically, contract holdouts are met with disdain and contempt from fans, but most rational fans will understand this one. The Raiders are absolutely lost in a steep downward spiral as an organization with one of the worst offenses ever seen in the NFL, with no relief (beyond Russell) in sight. Russell is a talented, gamebreaking player with good support, but with the Raiders (who gave up a league-leading 72 sacks last season) he will find himself brutalized and staring at the sky most of the season, assuming he actually signs the contract

Russell would be very smart if he forgets the Raiders, sits the season and comes back next year as a free agent. The Raiders clearly aren’t ready to pay first overall pick money to anyone regardless of talent (as this debacle has shown) and don’t seem to care about the quality of the organization at all. Until Al Davis swallows his pride and releases the team from his tyrannical and senile grip, the Raiders will continue to troll the depths of the AFC West.