With the many slants on each rumor it’s hard to determine what to believe. Some media outlets want to brush the mess under the rug by making light of the interpretation that the accuser was a victim, or imply that his accuser was going to hurt Manning’s academic record with accusations that he cheated on a class that was pass/fail based on attendance. On the plus side, the resurfacing of the sexual assault rumors appear to have made the rumors of the HGH doping accusations less interesting.
Since the drug allegations came out, it has since been reported that the HGH drugs were reportedly addressed to Manning’s wife. A thorough investigation will be done to ensure that it wasn’t Manning who was using HGH.
While we’re dragging Peyton’s name through the dirt, let’s dig up that time when he called Colt’s kicker Vanderjagt an idiot in response to Vanderjagt’s negative comments about Manning and Dungy following the 2002 post season. The media has reported on this irrelevant piece once again, as this should somehow tarnish the Manning legacy. Who is he to respond to a teammate’s comments questioning his ability to lead the Colts?
None of the news about Peyton Manning’s past is new news. So many outlets are trying to make it appear as though the allegations were previously hidden from the public with, “Manning’s fall from grace”, or “Manning’s legacy is on the line.” Nothing was ever hid, as the allegations were very much in the news when they were present and not past. Manning can anonymously fight the smear by letting a public relations representative take care of the rumors. Maybe it’s the work of his PR person to flood the media with news that the secret 94’ file that eventually led to the “incident” in 96’ was due to accusations Manning cheated on a pass/fail class rather than about something serious.
Since Manning’s salary is guaranteed at 19 million if he’s still on the roster March 8, it’s safe to say either Manning or the Broncos will make an announcement before then. The media can then put it out there as, “Peyton Manning Retires Amid Sexual Assault Allegations.” If he doesn’t retire we may see the headline, “Broncos cut Peyton Manning Amid Sexual Assault Allegations.” If neither headline appears, then it looks like New England will be the AFC team most likely to appear in Super Bowl 51.