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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, July 13, 2009

NFL: Ravens� WR Mason retires


By Jamison Hensley
The Baltimore Sun

BALTIMORE � In the most surprising move of the Baltimore Ravens� offseason, wide receiver Derrick Mason has abruptly announced his retirement.

�I have had a tremendous career, and I played for two great teams. I had fun,� Mason told jocklife.com, a Web site that shares the same address as Mason�s agent. �In my career, I have been able to do everything but win a Super Bowl. I�ve had the opportunity to play on great teams and with great players. After 12 years, I have seen it all and done it all,� Mason said. �Right now, I am content with the decision I am making. All good things come to an end, and I am ready to see what else life has to offer.�
The Ravens, though, would not confirm whether Mason has officially retired.
�For any player to retire, he has to send a letter to the NFL stating this. Derrick Mason has not done that,� said Kevin Byrne, the Ravens� senior vice president of public relations.
Mason�s retirement comes nine days after quarterback Steve McNair, a longtime friend and teammate, was shot and killed in Nashville, Tenn.
�I have been thinking about this since season ended,� Mason said. �Emotionally I am just not that enthused. I have not been that enthused to get up and work out. ... It was getting to that point. This decision has nothing to do with the contract situation; I have made enough money, more than enough money. Emotionally there are things that are more important. It�s time right now. I don�t know what�s going to happen from here, but it�s going to be really nice to see what life has in store for me. What I want people to remember about my NFL career is that I played hard ... played hard in practice and the game. I tried to make everyone better and would do anything to help.�
The Ravens did not immediately respond to a phone call from The Baltimore Sun.