Pubdate: Wed, 02 Jan 2002 Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News (CO) Copyright: 2002, Denver Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/371 Author: Rick Eymer, Associated Press Writer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy) RUSSELL SUSPENDED FOR ONE YEAR FOR DRUG USE Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Darrell Russell cleaned out his locker Wednesday and left for the rest of this season, and all of the next one, after a drug suspension. Russell, who tested positive for the club drug Ecstasy, will not be eligible to play again until Jan. 2, 2003. The 2002 regular season is out because NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue turned down an appeal. The Raiders' first-round draft pick in the 1997 draft also sat out the first four games this season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. "Darrell has a problem that is well documented," said Raiders coach Jon Gruden. "This is devastating for a young guy at the top of his profession to have to go through this. I hope he can come back and resume his career." Russell will not be allowed to participate in any team-sponsored functions until his suspension is over. "This is bad timing," said Oakland defensive tackle Rod Coleman, who takes Russell's spot in the starting lineup. "It's been a tough season for him. He had to deal with that and get ready for football." The latest news comes as the Raiders try to improve their playoff situation in a home game against the New York Jets on Sunday. Oakland clinched a spot in the playoffs with a victory over the San Diego Chargers on Dec. 15, but has lost its last two games. "I hope I didn't lose him as a friend and teammate," said defensive end Tony Bryant. "I don't want to say anything else except we do have other options and we have a lot of confidence in Rod." Russell returned to action Oct. 14 after being suspended in August, when the NFL determined he failed to comply with its drug-testing policy. The 6-5, 325-pound lineman in his fifth season out of Southern California said he wasn't home when a test was scheduled to be administered, and that he failed to get back to the league on time. He forfeited about $448,000 in salary due to the earlier suspension. The league began testing this season for Ecstasy, a mood-altering drug popular on the nightclub scene. The NFL does not disclose details of substance-abuse violations. Its policy covers a wide range of issues, including the illegal use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol, prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs. Josh Taves or Junior Ioane is expected to see more action as a result of the suspension. "We will do the best we can to move forward without him," said Gruden. "We played the first four games without him and I don't expect this team to give in. It's another challenge to overcome." - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager