Newz Forum: FOOTBALL: Buccaneers release DT Russell

Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tuesday released veteran defensive tackle Darrell Russell and waived offensive tackle Chris Ziemann from NFL Europe's injured reserve list.

Both players signed with Tampa Bay following the 2003 campaign. Ziemann was subsequently allocated to NFL Europe, where he played the spring season for the Rhein Fire.

Russell, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, played sparingly in eight games for Washington in 2003 before being waived.

The Raiders selected Russell with the second overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft. He played in 75 contests for Oakland between 1997 and 2001 and recorded 28 1/2 sacks.

The 28-year-old Russell was suspended for the first four games of the 2001 season after failing a drug test. He returned to play 11 games that year, but was again suspended by the NFL for a second violation of the league's substance abuse policy.

Russell then missed the entire 2002 campaign due to a league-mandated suspension stemming from his role in an alleged rape.

Prosecutors dropped all criminal charges after they could not prove the defensive tackle videotaped the alleged attack. Russell was then granted reinstatement.

Ziemann participated in eight games for the New York Giants in 2000 and most recently spent the 2002 season on Jacksonville's injured reserve list.