QB Peyton Manning controversy lingers on as Indianapolis Colts mum on his future – NFL News
The controversy around the recovery and return of Indianapolis Colts' quarterback (QB), Peyton Manning, continues as the player has spoken of the latest development of apparently not a favourable situation for him on the team.
A decision on the future of Manning is the single most priority for Colts' owner, Jim Irsay, who has so far not shown the cards bearing possibilities of the player's return to the side next season.
Manning said that he did not have any idea if he was going to return to play football with the Colts more seasons to come, despite being eager to stage a comeback.
Irrespective to his apparent willingness to return from his neck injury to be part of the team once again, he refrained from elaborating on the issue to avoid triggering of a controversial situation for his team.
"I don't want to get into some kind of fan campaign with the owner, but I think it's well documented that I want to play in the same place my whole career," Manning said.
The QB added:
"It's been a privilege to play here. I love the fans, the city, the transformation of the fans, how our place has become the toughest stadium to play in. It's been fun to be a part of that. But I understand how it works. I understand tough decisions have
to be made. There's personal and there's business and that's where we've got to separate the two. I've seen other guys leave places and it was personal.”
The QB quoted Colts' new general manager, Ryan Grigson, as saying that their owner would discuss the issue of his recovery and return, without giving a timeline of the expected meeting.
The Indianapolis Colts, who have fired all their previous managers and head coach, Jim Caldwell, announced to have a new head coach in place, on Wednesday, January 25, 2012.
He is Baltimore Ravens’ defensive co-ordinator, Chuck Pagano.
Irsay, following the sorting out of his coaching problems, is expected to have a meeting with Manning sooner or later, which is likely to set out future respective courses for both sides.
As the QB himself had pointed out a couple of days earlier, the final call on his future rests with the owner.
There are two leading options in front of the owner. One choice is to pay him the bonus of $28 million due by March 08, 2012, and keep him active for the next season.
The other option is to cut the player loose from his contract. It’s up to him if he is able to find another outfit to play football in the future.
A couple of teams around the National Football League (NFL) have already spoken of their interest in pursuing signing of the QB provided he becomes available.
The Colts in the meantime are most likely to replace him with a top draft pick.
Tags: