Riders’ George abruptly retires over domestic violence charge

Defensive lineman Tearrius George is the latest Saskatchewan Roughrider to announce his retirement this off-season.

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.”

.@reginapolice confirm that Tearrius George has been charged with assaulting his partner, a 33-year-old woman.

— Arielle Zerr (@arielle_zerr) May 3, 2016

The release says George allegedly grabbed her throat and pushed her up against the wall. A one-year-old child was present at the time.

— Arielle Zerr (@arielle_zerr) May 3, 2016

George was arrested and is facing one charge of assault – and he will appear in court on May 12th.

— Arielle Zerr (@arielle_zerr) May 3, 2016

On Tuesday came news 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.

Chris Jones, Saskatchewan’s head coach/GM, said there’s a good reason for George’s decision to retire.

“Through speaking with Tearrius, we were made aware that he was involved in an incident that has become a police matter,” 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.