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• MILWAUKEE -- The Green Bay Packers released veteran left tackle Chad Clifton on Monday, saying goodbye to a player who anchored their pass protection for more than a decade. Mike Iupati Jersey . Clifton has been the Packers primary left tackle since 2000, starting 160 games over 12 seasons with quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. He started only six games last season because of hamstring and back injuries. It was not immediately clear whether Clifton will retire or try to play for another team. "Chad is a great Packer and has been an integral part of our success over the past 12 seasons," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said in a statement. "He was a member of some of the most prolific offences in team history, but more importantly, he is a great person and teammate. We thank Chad for all that he has given the Packers on the field and in the community and wish him and his family well." ESPN reported the Packers plans to release Clifton earlier Monday. Clifton played 165 career games for Green Bay and ranks second in franchise history for the most games played by an offensive tackle behind only Forrest Gregg, who played in 187. Clifton was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007 and 2010. Marshall Newhouse played well enough in Cliftons absence last year that it wasnt a sure thing that the veteran would get his job back when he returned near the end of the season. Clifton started the Packers playoff loss to the New York Giants but was replaced by Newhouse in the third quarter. Speaking at NFL meetings last month, Packers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters there was "definitely a possibility" that Clifton would stay with the team but said it ultimately would be a medical decision. "Hes someone well continue to talk about and get the reports," McCarthy said at the time. "Hes down in Tennessee now, so well see how he recovers." With Clifton gone, the Packers options at left tackle for next season include Newhouse and Derek Sherrod, last years first-round draft pick. Sherrod is recovering from a broken leg in the Packers Dec. 18 loss at Kansas City. The Packers also could consider moving Bryan Bulaga from right tackle. With the draft set to begin with the first round Thursday night, Cliftons future isnt the only major decision facing the Packers this off-season. There also is uncertainty over the future of safety Nick Collins, who sustained a season-ending neck injury last year. Its not clear if Collins will be able to return. There also has been speculation that the team could part ways with veteran receiver Donald Driver, although McCarthy said at the league meetings that the Packers "absolutely" still had room for Driver. "I thought Donald, the second half of the season, he played very well," McCarthy said. "His role, as far as opportunities, was not as high as its been in the past, but I thought Donald was very consistent down the stretch." Chris Culliver Jersey . The 11th seed from Thornhill, Ont., needed just 67 minutes to advance comfortably on Centre Court at the Real Club de Tenis against the clay specialist who has played in two Barcelona semifinals. Ahmad Brooks Jersey . In a statement issued by the Saints on Wednesday, Vitt said he has never pledged money for any type of performance incentives, let alone the cash-for-hits bounty program that the NFL says the Saints ran from 2009-11 under former defensive co-ordinator Gregg Williams. http://www.shop49ersgear.us/colin-kaepernick-49ers-jersey/ . -- The Ryder Cup is so hotly contested that even its humble beginning is the subject of debate. Jonathan Goodwin Jersey . LOUIS -- The bullpen has been a major weakness for the St. Joe Staley Jersey .J. - The New York Red Bulls have signed English midfielder Lloyd Sam.TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays placed right-hander Drew Hutchison on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with a sprained right elbow. The 21-year-old rookie left Friday nights 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies after just nine pitches. The Jays recalled Robert Coello from triple-A Las Vegas to take Hutchisons spot on the roster. "I think everything right now points to avoiding surgery," Jays manager John Farrell said prior to Saturdays game against the Phillies. "Time will be needed for it to heal, to allow that sprain to become more secure. The only thing we dont know is how long that will take." Hutchison, who has a 5-3 record with a 4.60 earned-run average in 11 outings, is the third Toronto starting pitcher to go down in five days. "This is the first of any arm problems that Ive had," he said. "Its not ideal." The Blue Jays said on Friday that an MRI revealeed right-hander Kyle Drabek has a torn ligament in his elbow that may require surgery. Anthony Davis Jersey. Drabek left in the fifth inning of Torontos 6-2 loss to Washington on Wednesday. Meanwhile, right-hander Brandon Morrow left Mondays 6-3 loss to the Nationals after just nine pitches with a strained oblique muscle in his left side. Hes also on the 15-day DL. "After seeing everything thats gone on its tough," Hutchison said. "The teams in a tough spot and you want to go out and help anyway you can and you come up with it yourself. But it is what it is. Im going to try to get back and help the team." Added Farrell: "Unfortunately, pitching is a game of attrition and were seeing a lot of (injuries) right now." The 27-year-old Coello spent time with the Jays earlier this month, holding the Boston Red Sox to three hits and no runs in two innings of work back on June 1. ' ' '

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