Calgary Stampeders' Jesse Newman (OL) keeps an injured leg elevated as he watches the rest of team practice from the sidelines.. digital photo by Larry MacDougalLarry MacDougal
Calgary Stampeders offensive lineman Jesse Newman is calling it a career.
The Vancouver native was a first-round pick, third overall in 2008 out of Louisiana-Lafayette, and played 30-regular season games and four playoff contests over two seasons.
"I sincerely regret putting the Stampeders and coach Huff (John Hufnagel) in this position by making such a late decision," Newman said in a release. "It was the hardest decision I've ever made."
The news came on the eve of the opening day of training camp.
"Jesse had personal reasons for retiring and I respect his decision," Hufnagel said. "I looked forward to Jesse participating in training camp, but that will not be the case."
In other moves, the Stamps released quarterback Mike Desormeaux, non-import fullback Matt Henry and import defensive linemen Eryk Anders and George Clinkscale on Saturday.
Receivers Ryan Thelwell and Ken-Yon Rambo and linebacker Marc Calixte were placed on the disabled list, while linebacker Brandon Jamison was placed on the suspended list.