Owner Jim Irsay says Indianapolis Colts ‘family’ stands unified as QB Peyton Manning aims for return – NFL News
Indianapolis Colts’ owner, Jim Irsay, on Friday, February 03, 2012, dispelled an impression of strife in what he called Colts’ family and said that all its members were closer to each other and stood unified.
His obvious reference was to the controversy and uncertainty around the issue of recovery and return of their quarterback, Peyton Manning, to Colts in the future.
Despite that both sides have attempted time again to calm down the situation that has become rather tense amid contradictory media reports; the issue lingers on and on.
This has forced the owner to again come up with his assurance of seeking an amicable solution to future of the QB, who is due an option bonus of $28 million from the team by March 08, 2012 and stand an opportunity of going free agency, otherwise.
"Peyton Manning, Jim Irsay and the entire Colts family remain close and unified as we continue to work through all the options that relate to his future with the Colts," a Colts statement said.
It added:
"The present focus is on the Super Bowl and the great game that awaits," the news release said. "A good time was had by all at the Colts party Thursday night."
Irsay’s latest statement was in the perspective of some recent speculations pointing out that the team management was most unlikely to have the player back, with almost no chance for exercising of the bonus option.
The latest rumours have emerged a week after some reports claimed that a decision on future of the player had been taken by the Colts management weeks ago and it is that they are going to move beyond the Manning era.
Colts’ owner has denied all those reports and the latest rumours. There is no confirmation from him, either, that such a decision is not a possibility in the future.
The owner’s statement had followed an earlier assurance from the player’s agent, Tom Condon, who said the player’s recovery was on target and he was aiming for a definite return to play football again. He refused to give a timeline on the recovery and return.
"How long? I don't have any idea. I don't know if there is any way to quantify that or measure it. I do know he's much farther along than he was after the surgery," he said.
His agent has echoed the player’s earlier expressed love for the city of Indianapolis and his fans, adding at the same, that the player does understand nature of the business.
Just like Irsay he too did not confirm a dateline for a possible meeting between Peyton Manning and his employer and if the discussion around the bonus option is on their agenda.
Reports in some sections of media had earlier hinted at the possibility of negotiation of an extension in the bonus payment deadline of March 08. There is no surety if both parties will agree to it.
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