Yo Murphy is reconsidering his retirement plans. The Renegades top receiver -- disappointed that the team will not make the playoffs and challenge for the Grey Cup -- says he'll go home at the end of the season and take about a month to decide if he's going to play again in 2005.

Earlier, he had said this year would be his last.

"The only thing that has me thinking about it is how the season has gone," the 33-year-old Murphy said yesterday. "It's definitely not 100% that I will (retire). I really worked hard to get ready for this season, I was set on coming here and contributing to a championship team, or at least one that was going to be close. But the way things have gone, it's been really frustrating.

DECISION TIME
"I can't make the decision now. I want to sit at home for a month, figure out what's going on here ... we have great coaches and good schemes. I really just wanted the season to end up differently."

Murphy, who has made 49 catches for 871 yards in what has been his best CFL campaign, will be a free agent next year.

"No matter what I did, it wouldn't be a question of money," he said. "It would be more if I felt I was going to be able to contribute to a winning team. I'd play for whatever."

Meanwhile, the Renegades' most senior statesman, Gerald Vaughn, says he would like to return next season for the final year of his contract.

"Whatever the people want," the 34-year-old linebacker said when asked of his plans. "Hopefully they'll have me back.

"Definitely, next year, I know we'll be a contender."

HIGH AND INSIDE:
Day in and day out, the Renegades' best player in 2004 has probably been receiver Yo Murphy.

The veteran turned in an outstanding performance in week 17, catching eight passes for 184 yards, including an 85-yard TD. Murphy surpassed the 1,000- yard mark for the season, his best as a pro, and now has 57 catches for 1,055 yards.

"It's cool," said the 33-year-old Murphy, who is considering retirement. "I'm glad I got it, 1,000 yards is 1,000 yards. But I just wish it would have been under different circumstances, by making a big catch to help us win. It's just such a bad note. Not just this game, all of it." ....

PONDERING RETIREMENT:

Yo Murphy might be having a change of heart.

Earlier this year, the Ottawa Renegades receiver said this would be his final CFL season. But with 49 catches for 871 yards, his best season ever in Canada, Murphy is leaving the door open to playing in 2005.

Murphy will become a free agent at season's end, but says being able to contribute will factor heavily in his decision.

Murphy's given name is actually Llewellyn, but his sister couldn't pronounce it and instead called him Yo because he looked like a yo-yo bouncing in his crib. The monicker has stuck.

Murphy, 33, has enjoyed a pro career that has spanned North America and Europe.

He signed with the B.C. Lions in 1992 and spent three seasons there, earning a Grey Cup ring with the club in 1994. He then played parts of five seasons with the Scottish Claymores of NFL Europe before appearing in seven games with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings in 1999.

After not playing in 2000, Murphy began the 2001 campaign with the XFL's Las Vegas team before joining the NFL's St. Louis Rams later that year. He appeared in the Super Bowl with the Rams that season. In 2002, he was released by the Rams and signed by Kansas City, appearing in the Chiefs' final two games.