By Andrew Dawson

Saskatchewan Roughriders release veteran Chris Szarka

Jun 1, 2011 | 2:06 PM

On a day when Rider fans are supposed to be gearing up for training camp and the start of the season – there is some sad news.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released fullback Chris Szarka.

Szarka has been with the club for 14 season, amassing over 17-hundred yards on the ground, 98 receptions and 33 touchdowns.

Szarka tells News Talk Radio he was asked to retire on Friday of last week by General Manager Brendan Taman but thought it was the team's announcement to make, “I feel there is a sense of accountability in a decision that they made and they need to be held accountable for that decision. I felt like I would be disappointing my teammates by coming in there and telling my teammates, a week before training camp, that I was retiring.”

The veteran fullback and Regina City Councillor says he harbours no ill will toward the team or Taman. He says he'll continue to support the organization and his former teammates.

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In a release from the team, General Manager Brendan Taman said, “It is always difficult to have to release a veteran player, especially someone like Chris. We had a few tough decisions to make heading into training camp and unfortunately this is one of them. Chris has been a valuable component of this team his entire career and his contributions on and off the field will be missed.”

The release does mark the end of Szarka's career as he was clear that the 2010 Grey Cup game was the last time he'll be suiting up in the Canadian Football League.

The Riders have also announced that receiver Rob Bagg has re-injured his right knee while training for the upcoming season.

Bagg will start the season on the nine game injured list and will have surgery to repair the damage today in Ontario.

ahill@panow.com