CFL teams had to reduce their rosters to 19 Canadians, 17 Americans and three quarterbacks by 3 p.m. EDT on Saturday.
The Calgary Stampeders released Martino, a 13-year CFL veteran who had spent the last 10 seasons with the club -- appearing in four Grey Cups -- and was the club's career punting leader. Rookie Duncan O'Mahony will handle punting duties.
"It's never easy releasing players, but it's extra difficult when it's a veteran like Tony," said Wally Buono, Calgary's head coach and general manager. "Tony has been a great contributor to this organization, an inspiration to his teammates.
"Sometimes you must sacrifice for the future."
B.C. and Saskatchewan are reportedly interested in signing Martino.
The 2001 CFL regular season kicks off Wednesday with the Montreal Alouettes at the Toronto Argonauts (7 p.m.) while the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are at Calgary (10 p.m. EDT).
Jackson was among five players released by Montreal.
Jackson, a four-year veteran, and sophomore Dan Gonzalez battled throughout training camp for the backup position behind starter Anthony Calvillo. Jackson's departure means Jamie Barnette assumes the No. 3 spot.
Jackson didn't take the news quietly, dissing Montreal general manager Jim Popp afterwards.
"If he (Popp) was up front and didn't hold things over your head, guys would respond better," Jackson told the Montreal Gazette. "Popp and I never had the greatest relationship and he was never honest with me.
"I never felt I got a straight answer, either in contract negotiations or on where I stood. It's his team and he makes the decisions. There are no hard feelings, but Jim makes his mind up (on personnel) before we even go to camp."
Jackson was entering his option year, and Montreal attempted to sign him to a one-year, plus an option, deal. Jackson turned it down, figuring that with Calvillo likely to test the NFL waters this off-season, he could sign a more lucrative offer as Calvillo's heir apparent.
Popp said the team's decision was based strictly on football.
"I'm the most honest guy around," Popp told the Gazette. "Dan Gonzalez beat out Stanley Jackson.
"This has nothing to do with contracts."
Quarterback O.T. Sampson, entering his third CFL season, and sophomore running back Morgan Welch were among 11 players cut by Toronto. The Argonauts elected to stick with incumbent kicker Jacob Marini, placing Dan Giancola on the practice roster.
Giancola made 48-of-61 field-goal tries with Toronto as a rookie in '99 before signing with the NFL's Buffalo Bills. After being cut by Buffalo, Giancola was dealt by Toronto to B.C. but was released by the Lions when he wouldn't sign a long-term deal, opting to return to his St. Catharines, Ont., home to be with his pregnant wife.
Non-import offensive linemen Samir Chahine and Mike Mihelic and import linebacker Vernon Mitchell start the season on the injured list for Toronto.
Running back Troy Davis, who spent three seasons with the NFL's New Orleans Saints, was among six players cut by Hamilton. Davis, 25, had an illustrious college career at Iowa State, rushing for 4,382 yards and becoming the only NCAA player ever to surpass 2,000 yards rushing in consecutive seasons (1995-96).
The Tiger-Cats also placed fullback Duane Forde, slotback Mike Juhasz, safety Kyle Walters and running back Jarrett Smith on the injured list.
Edmonton released import defensive lineman Andre Reed and import receiver Chad Luttrull and non-import offensive lineman Tim Bakker. Non-import running back Craig Carr and import defensive back Torey Hunter were among five players placed on the injured list.
The B.C. Lions cut 19 players, including Canadian linebacker Kelly Lochbaum, a four-year veteran.
By Dan Ralph
