CFL.ca Staff
WINNIPEG — Winnipeg Blue Bombers General Manager Joe Mack announced today that the team has released 12 players from the roster.
Non-import defensive lineman Shawn Mayne was one of the biggest names released on Friday. The Bombers had added Mayne as a free agent back in February after he was released by the Montreal Alouettes.
Mayne returned to the Blue and Gold after spending the past season and a half in Montreal. He originally joined the Blue Bombers in 2006, spending over three full seasons in Winnipeg and playing principally on special teams, as well as serving as a backup defensive lineman.
His best season statically came in 2008 when he recorded eight tackles, three special teams tackles and one sack.
The native of Montreal was chosen by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the third round, 18th overall, of the 2006 CFL Canadian Draft.
Other defensive players released by the Bombers were linebacker Rico McCoy, defensive ends Kenny Mainor and Bryant Turner and defensive back Arrington Hicks.
On offence, import offensive tackle Marlon Winn was one returning player who was released. He was a member of the practice roster last year after signing with the club on August 31st.
Non-import wide receiver Josh Bishop was added to the Winnipeg practice roster in October last season. He posted three receptions for 56 yards in his final pre-season game, but it wasn’t enough to help his cause given the wealth of Canadian receivers on the team’s roster.
David McKoy, another receiver Canadian receiver, was released as well.
Non-import offensive lineman Matt Morencie was a 3rd round draft pick of the B.C. Lions in the 2009 Canadian Draft and also spent time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He too was deemed expendable by the club.
Wide receivers Alex Watson and Damian Sherman were also released in addition to kicker Rene Paredes.
