CFL Notebook; Ricky Foley Released, Ryan Smith Retires

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are going to break from tradition and will reveal the players on their negotiation list.

The CFL club made the announcement Friday and will also provide videos exclusively to Ticats All Access members. Ticats All Access is a free program open to all fans.

``This initiative is consistent with our mandate to find new and innovative ways to engage with our fans and provide unique content through our digital platforms,'' Ticats CEO Scott Mitchell said in a statement. ``It's a great opportunity for Tiger-Cats fans to learn more about the team's prospect pool and potential future players.''

CFL teams can have up to 45 players on their negotiation list, giving the club exclusive CFL rights to them. Players can be added, removed or traded from the list at any time.

All clubs have always kept the players on their negotiation list private until now.

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The Toronto Argonauts have parted ways with three-time Grey Cup Champion and former Most Outstanding Canadian Ricky Foley, the team announced Friday.

Foley, 34, was set to enter his 12th CFL season and sixth with the Argos over two separate stints.

A national defensive end from Courtice, Ont., Foley moved back home to Toronto for the second time in his career after being traded to the Argos in 2015. In his last two seasons with the Argos, he recorded 69 tackles and 10 sacks in 32 games.

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 Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Ryan Smith has announced his retirement from professional football.

The news, which was revealed on Friday in a press release from the team, is sudden and surprising from the 25-year-old pass-catcher out of Wahpeton, N.D.

Smith joined the Bombers in February 2016 as a free agent after spending his first two CFL seasons with Saskatchewan.

“Although this was an extremely difficult decision, it is one that I am ultimately comfortable with,” said Smith. “I have the opportunity to pursue interests outside of football, and I just feel this is the time for me to step away.

“I would truly like to thank the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, my teammates, the CFL, and the fans of the Blue Bombers. Most importantly, Mr. Wade Miller, Kyle Walters and Coach O’Shea for their understanding and support throughout this process, and ultimately my decision.

“I will miss the game and the great people in it, but this was the right decision for me at this time.”

Last year, Smith accumulated 488 yards on 53 carries for one touchdown in 11 games. His best performance came in the Western Semi-Final against the BC Lions where he posted 106 yards on seven receptions for two scores.

In 2015, the North Dakota State product led the Riders in receiving yards and touchdowns, finishing with 59 receptions for 991 yards and seven touchdowns. Smith played in 24 games over two seasons with Saskatchewan, starting in 22.

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