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pumzy · 08-11-2006, 06:41 PM

CLEVELAND -- Veteran offensive lineman Bob Hallen, who was being counted on by the Cleveland Browns to replace injured LeCharles Bentley at center, informed the club Friday that he has retired.

Hallen, who left the team earlier this week, sent a letter to the Browns saying he was done with pro football. He did not give a reason for his decision.

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

Bentley was supposed to protect second-year quarterback Charlie Frye, improve Cleveland's running game and anchor an offensive line currently missing right tackle Ryan Tucker, who recently underwent knee surgery.

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

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

Hallen's agent, Cliff Brady, told The Plain Dealer that Hallen had to retire because he has a two herniated discs and is suffering from stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column. Messages seeking comment were left with Brady on Friday.

Hallen's biography in the club's media guide makes no mention of any history of back problems. He was placed on San Diego's injured list in 2003 because of a torn chest muscle. He also suffered a concussion in 2002.

In the meantime, with their Sept. 10 season opener against New Orleans drawing near, the Browns may have to find a dependable veteran center.

Alonzo Ephraim, signed after Bentley got hurt, started in Thursday's 20-7 loss to Philadelphia. Ephraim has five career starts, two at center, and played 43 games in three seasons with the Eagles.

On Tuesday, the Browns traded a 2007 draft pick to New England for center Ross Tucker, who has 24 career NFL starts.

There's irony in the Browns' mess at center. After signing Bentley in March, the club traded Jeff Faine, a former first-round draft pick and three-year starter, to New Orleans. Faine is listed as the Saints' starter on their current depth chart, a spot he'll likely have when the club opens in Cleveland next month.

Hallen, who is from Mentor, Ohio, and played at Kent State, made 47 career starts for Atlanta and the Chargers. He was drafted by the Falcons in the second round (53rd overall) of the 1998 draft. He signed with San Diego as a free agent in 2002.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2547101

**gruntbygod** · 08-11-2006, 06:43 PM

One point to remember is that the Bears were the "hard luck team" last preseason, and look how that panned out

LB instructor · 08-11-2006, 09:18 PM

you know what it doesnt matter who gets hurt,whos brought in,who falls where in the depth chart because as long as the browns call pass plays that could be completed by a pee-wee league player because they only need to travel 5-10 yds and lack creativity it wont matter. Robisky needs fired and Carthon.... love ya but time to dump ya...we need a couple of down field throws to keep the defense honest.If I had to scheme a Defense to stop the browns it would be a 6-2. They could draft a QB with a prosthetic arm(no disrespect to anyone with one) because who needs a strong arm when everything is a screen. Honestly and lets face the truth this has been the worst offense in the nfl since the browns have been back. 10 draft picks and 6 were defensive players???? the other 4 were 2 RBs?????? dont we have Droughns? a full back and WR??????? does the line not need more than a swap at center?????? The thought process in this organization is horrible. Even with Romeo. That was the worst display of offense I have been witness to and the team should be ashamed.90 yds in a preseason game????? If they have a TV contract it should be renegotiated. Save the footage and use it for a torture video.