Article content

Darian Durant stuck it to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers one last time.

For years, Durant was the quarterback of the Bombers’ fiercest rival in Saskatchewan and was a big part of many a Labour Day Classic win for the Roughriders.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or WYMAN: Bombers take a hit before training camp as QB Durant retires Back to video

On Friday, he dealt the Bombers a blow of a different kind.

Just a few months after signing with the team as a free-agent, the 12-year CFL veteran abruptly retired, five days before the opening of rookie camp and nine ahead of main camp.

Durant, 35, was signed to serve as the backup to starting quarterback Matt Nichols and seemed like a good fit. The Bombers have struggled to find quality backups in recent years and needed a good insurance policy for Nichols.

Now they have nothing.

And on top of that, reports indicate the Bombers paid Durant a $70,000 signing bonus, which they want back. Durant reportedly said no.

The bonus will count against the team’s salary cap this season.

They also spent a chunk of their free agent money on Durant, signing him on Jan. 21, which could be one of the reasons they had to let key players like T.J. Heath and Jamaal Westerman walk.