MARVE RETIRES, TICATS EXTEND FILER

WINNIPEG – Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Robert Marve has retired.

Marve made cited health concerns as the reason for his decision. He suffered a season-ending knee injury while filling in for banged-up starter Drew Willy.

“After consulting with my doctors, and contemplating my future, and life after football, I have made the decision to retire from this great game,” Marve said in a statement. “I would like to thank the great fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and this organization, who have supported me through this process. I’ll deeply miss the on field competitiveness, but this is the right decision for me and my long term health.”

Marve, 26, started two games this season after Willy suffered a knee injury on Aug. 9 in a 38-8 loss to Hamilton. He was replaced late in a 36-8 loss to Calgary, and the team later said he suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Marve had been troubled by serious knee injuries before joining the Bombers in 2014. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee three times in college.

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HAMILTON – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed national offensive lineman Mike Filer to a contract extension through the 2018 CFL season.

Filer, a six-foot-two, 300-pound native of Brantford, Ont., has started all 12 games at centre this season for Hamilton.

Filer has played in 40 career CFL games over his four-year career, all with the Tiger-Cats. he started in each of Hamilton’s playoff games last season, including the 102nd Grey Cup.

The Mount Allison University alumnus was selected in the fifth round, 31st overall, in the 2012 CFL draft by the Calgary Stampeders. He was signed by Hamilton on Aug. 12, 2012 after being released by Calgary.

“Mike has worked hard to become a quality and dependable football player for us,” said Tiger-Cats vice-president of football operations, general manager and head coach, Kent Austin. “He fits the mould of what we’re looking for on and off the field, and this signing will help solidify our offensive line for years to come.”

(The Canadian Press)