Courtesy Hamilton Spectator:

There will be no more busting, barging and banging touchdown bursts for Julian Radlein.

Radlein, the big, beefy fullback with the distinctive dreadlock hairstyle, announced his retirement yesterday from the Tiger-Cats after five seasons.

“I’d like to thank the organization, my teammates, and the fans for my five great years as a Tiger-Cat. This is the hardest decision I have ever had to make but it’s a necessary step for where I am at personally and professionally. I will sincerely miss the game and will continue to be with the team in spirit. I wish my teammates, the coaches, and the organization the best of luck this season,” Radlein, 27, said in a statement released by the club.

Radlein said in a phone interview last night from Vancouver he made the decision because of a chance to proceed with two companies he is involved in on the west coast.

“It came to a point where I had to chose between two things I’ve very passionate about,” he said. “You can only go so far with football. it can only carry you for so long.”

Radlein’s future with the Tiger-Cats, who drafted the UBC product third overall in the 2003 Canadian college draft, had been clouded since his playing time was dramatically reduced last season with the arrival of import Kori Dickerson.

But his return became even more in doubt when he left the club with three contests to play last season because of personal reasons.

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