Bombers say they were blindsided by Durant’s decision

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers say they were blindsided by quarterback Darian Durant’s decision to retire and found out by reading media reports.

Bombers general manager Kyle Walters said in a statement released Friday that they knew Durant was “reconsidering continuing his career” prior to mini-camp but that that the team asked to take time to “thoroughly consider his options and inform us of his decision. “

Durant did not attend the team’s mini-camp in April with Bombers saying at the time that he was excused to attend a “personal matter.”

But Friday’s announcement, which was posted to Durant’s personal website, caught the team by surprise.

“Ultimately, Darian has not informed the team of his decision, but we were notified through social media this morning that he has decided to retire from professional football,” Walters said. “While we respect his decision, we are of course are extremely disappointed.”

Here’s the full statement: