Manning: Drug use allegation ‘garbage’
Accuser has since recanted claim linking QB to HGH
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Peyton Manning said a report by Al Jazeera that was set to air Sunday that suggests he obtained performance-enhancing drugs was “completely fabricated, complete trash, garbage.”
Manning angrily denied allegations to ESPN on Sunday he used HGH in 2011.
The report is based on secret recordings made by a former intern at an Indianapolis anti-aging institute who now says he fabricated the allegations.
Al Jazeera sent British hurdler Liam Collins undercover to expose performance-enhancing drug use in sports. Collins made secret recordings of Charles Sly, a former intern at the Guyer Institute, where Manning was treated in 2011 following four neck surgeries.
Sly has recanted the claim that Manning used HGH. Sly, who also named other high-profile athletes on the secret recordings, told Al Jazeera the statements attributed to him “are absolutely false and incorrect.” Sly told ESPN that he fabricated the allegations to test Collins’ legitimacy.
Manning denied ever using PEDs and blasted the report for suggesting he got drugs that were shipped to his wife, Ashley.
“I can’t speak for any other athlete. I know what I’ve done, I know how hard I’ve worked in my 18 years of playing in the NFL. There are no shortcuts in the NFL. I’ve done it the long way, I’ve done it the hard way. And to insinuate anything otherwise is a complete and total joke, it’s defamation and it really ticks me off,” Manning told ESPN.
The Broncos and Colts also issued statements Sunday in support of Manning.
“Knowing Peyton Manning and everything he stands for, the Denver Broncos support him 100 percent,” the team said. “These are false claims made to Al Jazeera, and we don’t believe the report.”
The Colts, whom Manning played for from 1998-2011, issued a statement calling the report “utterly ridiculous.”
“We are thoroughly familiar with Peyton’s tireless work habits, his medical history, and, most importantly, his integrity,” the Colts said.
“We also note that the ‘source’ of this allegation has since recanted his story.”
Manning joined the Broncos in 2012 and had a record-setting run, going 47-15 until he tore the plantar fascia in his left foot on Nov. 15. That was the same day he broke Brett Favre’s NFL record for most career passing yards.
He’s been sidelined ever since, and backup Brock Osweiler will make his sixth straight start tonight when the Broncos (10-2) host the Bengals (11-3).
“Throughout his NFL career, particularly during his four seasons with the Broncos, Peyton has shown nothing but respect for the game,” the Broncos said. “Our organization is confident Peyton does things the right way, and we do not find this story to be credible.”
Manning said he sought holistic treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen and nutrient therapy at the Guyer Institute with the consent of the Colts training and medical staff.
Al Jazeera’s report claims Manning received HGH from the Indianapolis anti-aging clinic in 2011 while he was still with the Colts. It said the drug, which was later banned by the NFL in the 2011 collective bargaining agreement, was delivered to his wife so that the quarterback’s name was never attached to the shipments.
Playoff picture
On a day when both Carolina Panthers and New England blew chances to clinch home-field advantage throughout the postseason, here’s a look at the playoff picture with nine of 12 spots decided:
AFC: With their ninth straight win on Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs are in. That leaves five teams — the New York Jets, Pittsburgh, Denver, Houston and Indianapolis — still in contention for three remaining spots.
Already in are New England, Cincinnati and Kansas City.
The Jets and Steelers are trying for a wild card. Either the Texans or Colts will wind up as the AFC South winner. The Broncos have three possibilities — division champs, wild card or out completely.
If Cincinnati wins tonight at Denver, Houston wins its division; the Texans also can take the AFC South with a victory against Jacksonville next Sunday.
The Jets are in with a win next weekend at Buffalo.
NFC: The field is set: Carolina, Arizona, Minnesota, Seattle, Green Bay and Washington are in. The Vikings clinched a playoff berth with a 49-17 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday night. They visit Green Bay next weekend with the division title on the line, with the loser receiving a wild card.
Despite their first loss of the season — to the Falcons— the Panthers are NFC South champs with a first-round bye.
The Cardinals, NFC West winners, clinched a first-round bye with their win over Green Bay.
The Redskins won the NFC East with their win at the Eagles on Saturday night.
Seattle is in as a wild card despite its loss to St. Louis on Sunday.