Roughriders defensive lineman Tearrius George abruptly announces CFL retirement

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.