THE CANADIAN PRESS
CALGARY — 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.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Argonauts have signed running back Tony Nelson. Nelson is expected to join his teammates at camp on Sunday.
Nelson finished a five-year college career at Massachusetts sixth on the UMass career rushing list (2,787), fifth on UMass career carries list (532) and sixth on UMass career rushing touchdowns list (25).
The Argos also announced that the club has released imports Amos Allen (RB/SB), Cory Boyd (RB), Quinton Meaders (DB), Terrence Reese (DT) and non-import Mark Evans (DL).
