Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle Tearrius George sacks Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Henry Burris during the third quarter CFL football action at Mosaic Stadium on Sunday, September 21, 2014 in Regina. Defensive lineman Tearrius George is the latest Saskatchewan Roughrider to announce his retirement this off-season.George retired Tuesday in a statement issued by the CFL club. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Liam Richards
Republished May 03, 2016 - 11:50 AM
Original Publication Date May 03, 2016 - 11:05 AM
REGINA - Defensive lineman Tearrius George announced his retirement from the Saskatchewan Roughriders after he was charged with assault.
George retired Tuesday in a statement issued by the CFL club.
"I am stepping away from the game to focus on a personal issue," George said. "I would ask for people to respect my family's privacy during this time."
On Tuesday, Regina police charged George, 33, with assault stemming from a domestic-related incident. He's scheduled to appear in court May 12.
George is the laters Roughrider to retire this off-season.
Earlier on Tuesday, news surfaced that offensive lineman Bruce Campbell, acquired in February from the Toronto Argonauts, had filed his retirement papers with the CFL. That came less than a month after receiver Maurice Price abruptly retired after reportedly receiving a $30,000 bonus from the Roughriders following his trade from Ottawa.
"Through speaking with Tearrius, we were made aware that he was involved in an incident that has become a police matter," Riders coach/GM Chris Jones said in a statement. "He subsequently informed us he has decided to retire."
The Riders added they'll no longer comment on the issue because it's now a police matter before the courts.
The six-foot-four, 285-pound George was entering his sixth season with Saskatchewan and ninth in the CFL. He had previously had two stints with Calgary (2007, 2009-10) before signing as a free agent with the Riders.
George also spent time in the NFL with the New York Jets, Dallas (twice), New Orleans and Miami.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2016