Redskins cut Portis loose

ASHBURN, Va., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The Washington Redskins said Monday they have released running back Clinton Portis, whose seven-year stay with the team was plagued by injuries.

"Clinton provided excitement from the very first time he touched the ball as a Redskin and we were lucky to witness every ounce of energy, effort and passion he has given ever since," Redskins owner Daniel Snyder said in a statement. "We have been through a lot both on and off the field and we would like to wish him and his family the very best."

Portis played in only five games last season after suffering groin and stomach injuries. He rushed for 227 yards and two touchdowns on 54 carries.

Portis thanked the club's management, saying they were "honest, straight-up people with me."

"Being a Redskin was a special part of my life," he said. "Being in that organization, I turned from a kid having fun to a man carrying responsibilities."

Portis was a second-round draft pick by Denver in 2002 and he moved to Washington in 2004.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection has 9,923 yards and 75 rushing scores on 2,230 carries for his nine-year career. He also has 247 receptions for 2,018 yards and five touchdowns