Raiders should look out for Russell, McFadden

IN AN AGE IN which the value of the contract often precedes the name, it behooves a professional sports organization to provide a healthy, supportive and stable environment for its people.

The greater the investment in the employees, the greater the need for protection.

It may be as simple as having a "big brother" or "big sister" on the payroll. Someone willing to handle details and capable of advising or listening.

The 49ers, for example, can turn to sociologist Dr. Harry Edwards and retired lineman Guy McIntyre. The Warriors used to lean on retired player Otis Smith. They are available to help young millionaires navigate the complexities of life.

It's not mandatory, of course, but it's smart business.

Maybe it's time the Raiders, who today welcome their youngest and brightest to the first 2008 minicamp, consider such protection.

Given the stakes involved with quarterback JaMarcus Russell and running back Darren McFadden, it would seem worth it. Russell was drafted No. 1 overall in 2007 and received a $62 million contract, roughly half of it guaranteed. McFadden, drafted No. 4 overall last month, likely will command more than $40 million, nearly half of which will be guaranteed.

As top-five picks in successive years, Russell and McFadden will dictate the immediate future of the Raiders. Success could help repair this franchise. Failure means the Raiders stay broken -- and about $50 million poorer.

It just seems risky not to take

precautions in a professional market in which the most valued employees are not easily replaced. A team such as the Cincinnati Bengals, given their troubles, could use a roster of fresh minds to shepherd their talented but troubled players.

Could be a man or woman of letters, like Edwards. Could be someone of the cloth, like Earl Smith, who works with the Warriors and 49ers. Could be a former player, like Otis Smith or McIntyre, who knows what these youngsters are facing.

Has to be someone who knows a little about sports and a lot about people. Someone in tune with 21st century society, keenly aware of the pitfalls and temptations faced by young athletes who are celebrities with money to burn.

When Gilbert Arenas, stubborn and newly rich, wanted a pet shark and the required 250-gallon tank, Otis Smith, who also served as the Warriors' community relations director, was there to offer rational debate. When Troy Murphy wanted to spend a quarter of his rookie salary on a Hummer, Smith gently steered him to the financial sanity of a GMC Denali.

It's less about restriction than about sprinkling common sense into the discussion. A dose of maturity for the generally immature.

Which is not to say Russell, 22, and McFadden, 20, are immature. They might be old souls. But the Raiders would be mistaken to make assumptions.

For this is a chance to right the wrongs of a decade ago, the last time Oakland had consecutive top-five picks.

When the Raiders drafted defensive tackle Darrell Russell in 1997 and cornerback Charles Woodson in '98, it was theoretically sound to select two gifted players to anchor the defense for a decade. Reality intervened. Russell and Woodson occasionally dazzled, but neither could sustain the expected heights.

Moreover, each had brushes with the law. Each commonly cruised the clubs, sometimes alone, inviting predicaments that could threaten a career.

Having experienced the highs and lows of C-Wood and D-Russ, who died tragically in 2005, the Raiders should consider a more hands-on strategy. Player agents and the NFL would likely approve of a plan to further promote professional and personal development. It increases the chances of everybody winning.

The team, however, makes the biggest investment.

When the Raiders drafted McFadden, I asked coach Lane Kiffin if there was a plan to aid his adjustment to his new life. Kiffin cited programs available through the NFL and mentioned Willie Brown, who doubles as assistant coach for defensive backs coach and the director of squad development.

But the NFL's rookie symposium is the equivalent of driving school, working only for some. And with all due respect to Brown and Matt Capurro, the assistant to Kiffin who also aids players, this job is too big, the characters too valuable, to drop into the lap of someone with other duties. It deserves the attention of someone worthy of a six-figure salary.

NFL players get in trouble at an alarming rate. From driving drunk to domestic abuse to assault and battery to firearms-related charges, hardly a week passes without seeing a name or three on the blotter. It can happen to anyone.

Which is not to say Russell or McFadden -- or any other new millionaire -- is headed there. Or that either young man will be reckless in his endeavors, indulge in behavior that could endanger his potential.

This is to say the Raiders owe it to themselves and to these valuable employees to have a grounded, respected presence on board. A counselor. A liaison. A brother. A sister. A friend.

It's not mandatory. It's just smart business.

Contact Monte Poole at mpoole@bayareanewsgroup.com.