Clinic founder backs Manning’s denial
The founder of an Indianapolis medical facility said Monday that a former unpaid student intern who claimed Peyton Manning used a banned substance in 2011 didn’t even work at the clinic until two years later — long after the NFL star was undergoing treatment, and long after the intern’s threemonth stay at the anti-aging clinic had ended.
Dr. Dale Guyer, who started The Guyer Institute, said “I can say with absolute certainty” the allegations against the Denver Broncos quarterback are untrue.
Manning angrily denied using performance-enhancing substances shortly after a report on the Al Jazeera network went public Saturday. It was based on secret recordings of Charles Sly, who named other high-profile athletes and suggested Manning obtained human growth hormone via mail addressed to his wife, Ashley.
Sly has since recanted the story and told Al Jazeera the statements attributed to him “are absolutely false and incorrect.”
Packers deny report
Green Bay defensive players Clay Matthews, Mike Neal and Julius Peppers strongly denied any ties to performance-enhancing drugs after they were named in the Al Jazeera report. Matthews, a linebacker, called the allegations “100% false.” Peppers, a defensive end, said the report was “completely erroneous and I think it’s irresponsible journalism, in my opinion.” Reece suspended
Oakland fullback Marcel Reece was suspended four games for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances. The league announced the ban less than a week after Reece was named to the Pro Bowl, a game for which he is now ineligible. He will miss the season finale Sunday against Kansas City and the first three games in 2016. Coach Jack Del Rio said he didn’t feel the suspension was “really justified.” Weddle f ined
San Diego fined safety Eric Weddle $10,000 for remaining on the sideline at halftime of a Dec. 20 home game to watch his daughter dance in a program sponsored by Chargers cheerleaders. Agent David Canter said he and his client decided to divulge the fine after Weddle and three other players were placed on injured reserve and told they would not travel to Sunday’s game at Denver. “If you do bad things to good people, you deserve to have your dirty laundry aired in the limelight,” Canter told AP. Weddle’s contract is expiring and the team has made it clear there will be no extension. Hoyer near return
Houston quarterback Brian Hoyer is in the last phase of the NFL’s concussion protocol and will start Sunday against Jacksonville if he is cleared to play. Hoyer missed the last two games after suffering two concussions in less than a month. Mariota tests knee
Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota tested his sprained right knee, and the Titans are waiting to see how the rookie feels before deciding whether to play him in their season finale at Indianapolis. In an odd twist, a win against the Colts could cost Tennessee the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft. Etc.
Cleveland released practice squad safety De’Ante Saunders, who was arrested on Christmas along with linebacker Armonty Bryant following a traffic stop. Saunders on Monday pleaded not guilty to operating a vehicle impaired and speeding. A handgun belonging to him was also found in the car, police said. Saunders did not have a permit for the weapon. . . . Indianapolis Coach Chuck Pagano, whose team has been beset by injuries at quarterback, confirmed the Colts had former Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman in for a workout and said that if they sign him, he could start against Tennessee.