Funkerstation » ed into the final of the Duleep Trophy

It remains the least favourite part of Jim Barkers job: Telling a player he doesnt fit into the teams plans. But it got even more difficult Saturday when the Toronto Argonauts general manager had to deliver the bad news to defensive tackle Kevin Huntley, a four-year CFL veteran who helped the squad capture the historic 100th Grey Cup title last season. "It was probably the hardest cut Ive had in three years here because I love Kevin," Barker said. "Its the worst part of the job and this is the most difficult day of the year because its always difficult to tell a guy this isnt going to be the place for him. "But there comes a point where you have to make difficult decisions and then you move forward and thats what weve done." Former Argos defensive lineman Ricky Foley, who signed with Saskatchewan in the off-season as a free agent, echoed Barkers sentiment. "I had cutdown day," Foley tweeted. "So many good relationships formed over the yrs and T.C...Blessings & Good Luck (at)all the players looking 4new teams .CFL." Toronto also released linebacker Bryan Payton, running back Gerald Riggs Jr. and receiver Reggie Williams as CFL teams had until 10 p.m. ET on Saturday to reduce their active rosters to 46 players. Clubs could carry up to nine players on the practice roster. The regular season kicks off Thursday night with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers hosting the Montreal Alouettes at the new Investors Group Field. The Argos begin their title defence Friday night hosting their arch rivals, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The six-foot-eight, 305-pound Huntley was entering his fifth season with Toronto and had recorded 26 career sacks, but only had two last year. Still, the 31-year-olds departure was surprising given the Argos opened training camp minus defensive line regulars Ron Flemons (released), Armondo Armstead (New England Patriots, NFL), Ricky Foley (free agent, Saskatchewan) and Adriano Belli (retired). However, Barker veteran tackle Khalif Mitchell -- obtained this off-season from B.C. -- rookies Jonathan Williams and Cleyon Laing and newcomer Jermaine Reid (trade with Edmonton) all were impressive. "For two spots we had a lot of players that we liked so thats what it came down to," Barker said. "I still think he (Huntley) can play in this league. "We felt like we had a couple of other guys that augmented what were trying to do better." Riggs, the son of former NFL star running back Gerald Riggs, was entering his second season with Toronto. But the Argos opted to go with Curtis Steele, a five-foot-11, 206-pound rookie from Memphis as the backup to incumbent Chad Kackert, last years Grey Cup MVP. "Curtis is a good, young player that well groom behind Chad," Barker said. "Gerald Riggs had a good pre-season as well, he did everything that was asked of him and was very good. "We just felt to go younger with Curtis, hes a different kind of back than Gerald and felt that was a better fit for us, and dont have the luxury of keeping three." Barker also said Toronto will start the season with defensive back Brent Vinson and receiver Romby Bryant on the injured list as both were hurt in Thursday nights 24-20 exhibition win over Montreal. Vinson will require surgery for a broken ankle and is expected to miss four months while Bryant is out indefinitely after suffering six broken ribs. Bryant, 33, signed with Toronto this off-season shortly after being granted his release by Calgary. Bryant spent three-plus seasons with the Stampeders, registering 211 catches for 3,028 yards and 22 touchdowns before adding two receptions for 31 yards in the clubs 35-22 loss to the Argos in the 100th Grey Cup at Rogers Centre in November. Over five CFL seasons, the six-foot-one, 191-pound Bryant has 295 career receptions for 4,428 yards and 31 TDs. On a more pleasant note, Barker said all-star cornerback Pat Watkins passed his physical and should begin practising this week. Watkins missed all of training camp dealing with personal matters in Florida. Elsewhere, Winnipeg let 21 players go Saturday just two days after dropping a lopsided 52-0 exhibition decision to Hamilton. Included was quarterback Chase Clement, meaning Justin Glotz and newcomer Max Hall will back up veteran starter Buck Pierce. On Friday, the Montreal Alouettes released 11 players, including quarterback Quinton Porter, who spent his first five CFL seasons in Hamilton before being released and signing a three-year deal with the Als.Hydro Flask Norge . A lawyer for MLB, Matthew Menchel, confirmed Wednesday the league dropped its case against Biogenesis of America, its owner Anthony Bosch and several other individuals. The lawsuit had accused Biogenesis and Bosch of conspiring with players to violate their contracts by providing them with banned performance-enhancing substances. Hydro Flask Prisjakt . Varlamov made 33 saves and Ryan OReilly had a goal and scored in the shootout as the Avalanche beat the New Jersey Devils 2-1 on Thursday night. http://www.norgehydroflask.com/ . Numbers Game looks into the Canadiens securing the services of Thomas Vanek in a trade with the New York Islanders. The Canadiens Get: LW Thomas Vanek and a conditional fifth-round pick. Hydro Flask i Butikk . -- Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Alrdridge were again the go-to duo for the Trail Blazers against the Kings. Hydro Flask Oslo . Anthony Calvillo, through 20 CFL seasons, was frequently invincible and largely stoic in the heat of competition. But underneath the professional exterior he was, and is, compellingly human.India Blue 285 for 5 (Agarwal 92, Gambhir 77, Kuldeep 4-78) drew with India Red Scorecard and ball-by-ball details Rain washed out play on the final day in Greater Noida as India Blue and India Red took a point each by virtue of a draw. The result put India Red into the final of the Duleep Trophy and rendered the last league match between India Blue and India Green as a virtual semi-final.The final days play between India Blue and India Red was called off 5.25pm following an inspection. Weather held up play on the first three days as well, which meant neither team had enough time to ppress for a first-innings advantage.dddddddddddd Rain allowed only 345 minutes of play over four days with India Blue making 285 for 5 on the back of half-centuries from openers Mayank Agarwal and Gautam Gambhir. Left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav picked up 4 for 78 to follow a match haul of nine wickets against India Green in the maiden first-class game in India with the pink ball.India Blue will take on India Green at the same venue starting September 4. ' ' '