June 23, 2012

Stamps release Rambo, deal Tisdale to Ticats

CFL.ca Staff

CALGARY — Rumours started circulating early Friday morning and the Calgary Stampeders confirmed the somewhat shocking news that it has released veteran WR Ken-Yon Rambo.

Rambo, who told the Calgary Herald Friday night that he was stunned by the news, has been one of the most productive receivers of the last decade in Calgary but an injury-plagued 2011 season, combined with the competition in training camp has made the 33-year-old expendable.

Originally signed as a free agent in 2005, Rambo recorded 406 catched for 5,995 yards and 39 touchdowns.  His receptions and yardage totals put him in 10th place in Stampeders history and his touchdown receptions puts him 8th all-time in the franchise’s record books.

The 2008 season was Rambo’s finest, winning a Grey Cup, earning an All-Star vote and amassing just under 1,500 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns on 100 receptions.

The Stampeders continued to be busy on Saturday, trading DB Geoff Tisdale to Hamilton, with the teams also exchanging undisclosed 2014 draft picks.

Tisdale was a member of the Tiger-Cats from 2008-10 until he signed with the Stampeders as a free agent prior to the 2011 season. He registered 35 tackles and four interceptions in his only season in Calgary.

However, Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel said the most difficult decision was releasing Rambo. The 33-year-old is eighth overall on the Stamps’ all-time list for receptions (406) and receiving yards (5,995). He sits in 10th spot on the club’s all-time list when it comes to touchdown receptions with 39.

“It’s unfortunate that Ken-Yon hasn’t been 100 per cent healthy and hasn’t been able to practise with our club for a large portion of training camp,” said Hufnagel.

“We had to make a number of difficult decisions and this was certainly one of them. We’re fortunate to have depth at the receiver position but this was still a tough call to make. I want to thank Ken-Yon for everything he has done for the Calgary Stampeders and wish him all the best in the future. He will be considered one of the great players in franchise history.”

Canadian QB Brad Sinopoli was also among those released by the Stampeders on Saturday.

The Stampeders also announced Saturday that the following players have been released:

NIP LB Wilkerson DeSouza

IMP DB Johnnie Dixon

NIP OL Mike Filer

IMP DL Kenny Iwebema

IMP RB Derrick Locke

NIP DL Ameet Pall

IMP DB David Pittman

NIP DL Jordan Spence

IMP DL Michael Stover

IMP DL Chase Vaughn

NIP DL Jadon Wagner

IMP OL Tony Washington