This morning a rumour started filtering through TFC channels on Twitter that a couple under used players were released. Since there is no confirmation, CSN's not going to report the rumour (although it's pretty easy to deduct who is being suggested).
What we are going to do, however, is use the opportunity to explain what the rules are for releasing players.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Essentially, a team can release any player it wishes by placing them on waivers. That allows other MLS clubs an opportunity to claim them. If claimed, that club then has the rights to that player and takes on his salary.
If the player is not claimed in 48-hours he's released, but the club that released him maintains his rights unless he qualifies for the MLS re-entry draft.
However, if the release happens after July 1, the club that releases the player gets NO CAP RELIEF. That player's salary remains on the books for the rest of the year.
There are only three ways a team can get cap relief by getting rid of a player after July 1. They can release him ON HIS REQUEST (that usually happens when the player has found another club outside of MLS he wants to join), they trade the player to another MLS team, or they can hope the player is claimed off the waiver wire.
So, TFC fans should be careful in assuming that moving out certain players will help the club sign another player. It's possible, but the circumstances will have to be perfect.
If they aren't getting cap relief there is very little reason to release a player, even if they aren't playing.