Colts release Hank Baskett

For the first time since the 2005 NFL draft, Hank Baskett is an unrestricted free agent.

The Indianapolis Colts did not resign the wide receiver, who joined the team midseason, in a move announced late Thursday.

Baskett, a 2001 Clovis High graduate, played mostly special teams, and drew criticism when he bobbled an onside kick to start the third quarter of Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints, who were trailing 10-6 at the half, scored on the ensuing possession and went on to win 31-17.

Team spokesman Craig Kelley said during the day that the Colts did not expect to make any comments about team moves.

Baskett’s father, Hank Baskett Jr. of Clovis, said other than being able to confirm his son is now a free agent, “You know as much as I do about the situation.”

The elder Baskett said he wasn’t aware of any offers to his son yet from other pro football teams.

The younger Baskett has played four seasons in the National Football League, mostly with the Philadelphia Eagles, who released him in the second week of last season to make room for quarterbacks Michael Vick and Jeff Garcia. Baskett signed with the Colts two days later.

Baskett has caught 76 passes for 1,080 yards, with six touchdowns in his career.

He was not selected in the 2005 NFL draft, but was only a free agent for a few hours before the Minnesota Vikings picked him up. A few weeks later, he was traded to the Eagles.

Attempts to contact Baskett Friday were unsuccessful.