THE CANADIAN PRESS

EDMONTON -- The Eskimos released three players Thursday, including all-star offensive lineman Patrick Kabongo and slotback Chris Bauman, the first player selected in the 2007 Canadian college draft.

The decision to release the six-foot-six, 315-pound Kabongo comes after he was benched by the club earlier this season. The eight-year CFL veteran, a native of Zaire who grew up in Montreal, never complained of his demotion.

Kabongo was active in the community, twice receiving the David Boone Memorial Award for his work off the football field.

Bauman was selected first overall in 2007 by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He spent four seasons with the club before joining the Eskimos as a free agent last February.

The six-foot-four, 220-pound receiver has 125 career catches for 1,643 yards.

Also released was defensive back Wopamo Osaisai, who appeared in six games with the CFL club last season.

"We would like to thank all three men for their contributions to our club, especially, of course, Patrick who has earned substantial respect in our community and organization,'' Eskimos GM Eric Tillman said in a statement.

"This can be a tough business, and in a salary cap era, many factors have to be taken into consideration when making decisions - age, salary and performance.

"That said, it's quite possible at least one of these men will be returning to our club in 2012.''