JaMarcus Russell Alleges He Was Drugged During Florida State Campus Visit

The former LSU star quarterback claims he blacked out and doesn't remember details from the Florida State recruiting trip.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:06pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a college football player's recruitment journey, with sharp planes of deep maroon, burnt orange, and navy blue overlapping to create a sense of disorientation and unease.A cubist interpretation of the complex and potentially troubling recruitment process that student-athletes like JaMarcus Russell must navigate.Mobile Today

JaMarcus Russell, the former LSU and Oakland Raiders quarterback, is alleging that he was drugged during a recruiting visit to Florida State University in the early 2000s. Russell claims he has no memory of events after getting into a car with the Florida State coaching staff, and woke up the next day feeling ill, leading him to believe he was drugged at some point during the visit.

Why it matters

Russell's allegations raise concerns about potential improper recruiting tactics and the safety of student-athletes during the recruiting process. If true, this could have significant implications for Florida State's football program and the NCAA's oversight of recruiting practices.

The details

According to Russell, during the Florida State visit, 'the only thing I remember was the car. When everybody got back in the car I don't remember nothing. Then the next day, we went to eat with the family, all that.' Russell said he felt like he had been drinking and was 'blacked out,' suggesting he may have been drugged at some point during the visit.

  • Russell was heavily recruited out of high school in Mobile, Alabama in 2003.
  • He ultimately chose to attend LSU over Florida State.

The players

JaMarcus Russell

A former star quarterback who played at LSU and was the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

Florida State University

A prominent college football program that was recruiting JaMarcus Russell in the early 2000s.

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What they’re saying

“'I'm in the car, all I remember is everybody getting in that motherf—–er then the next thing I remember, now I'm at the boys dorm. Next thing I remember, I walked in the room cuz is laid up with about four people.'”

— JaMarcus Russell, Former LSU and Oakland Raiders Quarterback

“'You've got your little drink on. Bro, you know what tilted feels like. You know what it feels like to get up and throw up, hang over. You know what it feels like. You know high school football, you get your little drink on, but cuz really, I was blacked out bro. I don't remember nothing.'”

— JaMarcus Russell, Former LSU and Oakland Raiders Quarterback

The takeaway

Russell's allegations raise serious questions about the recruiting practices of major college football programs and the potential exploitation or endangerment of student-athletes. This incident highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability to ensure the safety and well-being of young athletes during the high-stakes recruiting process.