Manning prepared to play, report says

Peyton Manning reassured Denver Broncos officials, including general manager John Elway, he is physically and mentally prepared to play at a significant level in 2015, ESPN reported, citing league and team sources.

The two sides met Thursday in Denver and while retirement technically remains an option for Manning, it is not one he expressed to Elway and CEO Joe Ellis, sources told ESPN.

Manning got a comprehensive evaluation from renowned performance manager and trainer Mackie Shilstone recently, and Shilstone has given the quarterback a strong assessment based on numerous workouts and tests, a source said.

If Manning is on the Broncos roster March 9, he is guaranteed $19 million for the 2015 season.

Elsewhere: Ex-Ravens running back Ray Rice posted a statement apologizing to fans and asking for forgiveness ahead of the one-year anniversary of a domestic-violence charge. “There is no excuse for domestic violence, and I apologize for the horrible mistake I made,” he wrote. ...

Commissioner Roger Goodell made $35 million in 2013, according to tax returns submitted by the league. Goodell was heavily criticized this season for his handling of the domestic violence case of Ray Rice, but league revenues approach $10 billion and TV ratings dominate all other programming. ...

Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley was found not guilty of driving under the influence almost three years after he was arrested for driving more than 100 mph down an Alabama highway with an open container of alcohol in his SUV. Fairley was found guilty of a lesser charge of reckless driving and fined $500. ...

Alabama fire officials said a blaze that gutted the Tuscaloosa County home of Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain has been ruled arson. No arrests have been made.