Harrison officially released by Colts

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Pro Bowl wide receiver Marvin Harrison was officially released Tuesday by the Indianapolis Colts.

"Marvin let us know his preference was to be released," said Colts President Bill Polian at a news conference. "Both (team owner) Jim Irsay and I felt very strongly that after Marvin's long and dedicated service to the Colts, we would, in this painful circumstance, be guided by Marvin's wishes."

The Indianapolis Star reported Monday the receiver's agent, Tom Condon, confirmed the club granted Harrison's wish to be released after he declined to restructure his contract. A later report from the same newspaper indicated there was still a possibility Harrison could remain with the Colts.

Harrison, the league's highest-paid receiver, would have counted $13.4 million against the Colts' salary cap next season had his services been retained.

Harrison, a 13-year NFL veteran out of Syracuse, combined with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning for NFL records for most completions (971), yards (13,090) and touchdowns (110) since 1998.