As expected, the Washington Redskins on Monday announced the release of RB Clinton Portis. Head coach Mike Shanahan strongly suggested this move was coming during a press conference at the NFL Combine over the weekend.
In a release issued by the team, Portis thanked the organization who traded for him before the 2004 NFL season.
"I would like to thank the organization," Portis said. "Dan [Snyder] and Mike [Shanahan] were honest, straight-up people with me. I always appreciated the opportunity from Dan to play here. Being a Redskin was a special part of my life. Coming and being in that organization, I turned from a kid having fun to a man carrying responsibilities. I tried to put the world on my shoulders for Coach Gibbs and the Redskins fans."
"Clinton provided excitement from the very first time he touched the ball as a Redskin and we were lucky to witness every ounce of energy, effort and passion he has given ever since," Redskins owner Daniel M. Snyder said. "We have been through a lot both on and off of the field and we would like to wish him and his family the very best. He will always be a Redskin and go down as one of the franchise's all-time greats."
Portis now hits the open market for at least a couple of days. He is eligible to sign with any team before March 3rd, the expiration of the current CBA between owners and players.
Check out SB Nation DC and Hogs Haven for more on Portis' release.