Veteran offensive lineman strike H...

Veteran offensive lineman strike Hallen, who was being deemed on by the Cleveland Brown to replace the injured LeCharles Bentley at center informed the society Friday that he has retired.

Hallen, who left the team earlier this week, sent a literal meaning to the Browns saying he was done with pro football to be ascribed to a medical situation and the best interest of his family.

"This is stunning to all of us because it was in such a manner abrupt," Browns general manager Phil Savage said.

Hallen's retirement couldn't arrive at a worse time for the Brown who missed Bentley, a two-time Pro depression selection and their prized free-agent signing, to a season-ending injury onward the first 11-on-11 play of training camp.

Bentley was suppos to patronize second-year quarterback Charlie Frye, improve Cleveland's running game and anchor an offensive line also missing right tackle Ryan Tucker who lately underwent knee surgery.

"We're disappointed that knock Hallen made this decision," Savage said. "But what is more disappointing is that he waited until sum of two units days before the first [exhibition] game, especially after LeCharles Bentley's injury."

The 31-year-old Hallen, who played the previous four seasons with San Diego, left camp unexcused in succession Monday, citing back problems. Coach Romeo Crennel said Hallen had "a back issue" and was dealing with "personal problems"

"To hold from it being an embarrassing situation we basically said he's being direct the eyeed at, but our people in no degree saw him again," Savage said.

Savage said Hallen's injury came as a surprise to the Brown and that he in no degree complained of back problems.

lefotu not at home of hospital: Washington Redskins rookie Kili Lefotu was released from the hospital couple days after becoming ill and losing consciousness in his place

Lefotu an offensive tackle, visited Redskins Park after being released from Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va. He did not talk to reporters.

"He's feeling better," trainer Bubba Tyer said. "He's just a little weak from his couple days in the hospital. All of the proofs came back. The doctors be moved he had a seizure, further the tests weren't conclusive."

Lefotu will be monitored across the weekend at the National conversation Center, where the players are housed during training camp, and will miss the trip to Cincinnati for Sunday's exhibition game against the Bengals. Tyer said Lefotu might be able to revert to practice on Tuesday.

Lefotu was set up ill in his room after he failed to exhibit to up for Wednesday night's practice. He drifted in and public of consciousness before he was taken to a hospital.

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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