Wed Jun 11 15:48:06 2008

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Report: Browns release Bentley

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Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Cleveland Browns center LeCharles Bentley has reportedly asked for, and received, his release from the team.

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Bentley's agent, Jonathan Feinsod, said that Bentley did not sign with Cleveland before the 2006 season to be an insurance policy, but understands that because of the circumstances the Browns had to move on with their plans.

Regarded as the top free agent in the 2006 off-season, Bentley backed out of an unofficial agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles before signing with the Browns. In July of that year he tore the patella tendon in his knee, sidelining him for all of 2006, and suffered a staph infection that kept him out of the 2007 campaign. On Monday, Bentley was finally cleared to play, but soon after requested his release.

Bentley said before he left the Browns facility that he will probably return to Phoenix to continue training. He also said that he expects to be on an NFL roster in 2008 and expects to be a major contributor.