In a bizarre twist, Cleveland Browns center LeCharles Bentley has been granted his release by the team.

Bentley, who signed a huge deal with the Browns in 2006 to be the key part of their upgraded offensive line, has not played at all in his two seasons with the club because of a knee injury.

After extensive rehab, Bentley stepped back on the practice field for the first time yesterday.

It seemed like the story would have a feel-good ending, but it was not to be.

The Browns had Bentley penciled in as a backup, but he didn’t want to end his career that way.