The NFL says it found no credible evidence that Peyton Manning was provided with human growth hormone or other prohibited substances as alleged in a documentary by Al-Jazeera America last year.
The league said the quarterback and his wife, Ashley, fully cooperated in the seven-month investigation, providing interviews and access to all records sought by investigators.
The NFL is continuing its investigation into allegations made against other NFL players in the documentary, which the league said involves “different lines of inquiry and witnesses.” Those other players — all of them linebackers — provided the league with sworn affidavits, but the NFL wants to interview them in person.
In stark contrast, Manning, who retired a month after Denver’s 24-10 win over Carolina in Super Bowl 50, welcomed the probe.
In December, Al-Jazeera reported that an intern at an Indianapolis anti-aging clinic was secretly recorded suggesting that Manning’s wife received deliveries of HGH in 2011 while the quarterback was recovering from neck fusion surgery. The intern, Charles Sly, recanted his statements, which were recorded without his knowledge. He said they were fabricated in an attempt to impress a potential business partner.
Manning angrily denounced the report, calling it “completely fabricated, complete trash, garbage,” and insisting he never took shortcuts in his return to football after missing 2011 with neck problems.
At the time the allegations were levied, both the Broncos and the Colts, for whom Manning played from 1998-2011, issued statements in support of the five-time MVP.
Manning said he sought holistic treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen and nutrient therapy at the Guyer Institute of Molecular Medicine with knowledge and consent of the Colts training and medical staff following his four neck surgeries. He insisted he never used performance-enhancing substances and never took anything sent to his wife.
HGH is banned by professional sports leagues and is only legal to prescribe in a few specific medical conditions.
Cleveland
Commissioner Roger Goodell informed Gordon on Monday in a letter that he can rejoin the team during training camp and will be allowed to participate in meetings and conditioning work. The league said once Gordon meets clinical requirements, he will be allowed to participate in all preseason activities, including practices and games.
Gordon, who was suspended in 2015 for a year for multiple violations of the league’s drug policies, will be suspended for the first four games of the 2016-17 season. He is eligible to return to the team on Oct. 3. During his suspension, Gordon may participate in team meetings and other activities but can’t practice.
Gordon met with Goodell in New York last week, clearing the way for his partial return.
In his letter to Gordon, Goodell made it clear the onus is on the 25-year-old former Pro Bowler to stay clean.
“As we discussed at our (July 19) meeting, as Commissioner, I want nothing more than to see you turn your circumstances around and succeed,” Goodell said. “Countless others including your agent, teammates and coaches, (owner) Jimmy Haslam and the leadership of the organization, the Program professionals and Jim Brown also have pledged to provide you with every resource at their disposal. But as you acknowledged, ultimately, your future is your responsibility. I have every belief that you can make the right choices, but it will be up to you to do so.”
The Browns open training camp on Friday.
Gordon missed all of last season while serving his one-year ban. He was suspended for the first 10 games in 2014 before returning to play in five games.
He emerged as one of the league’s rising young stars in 2013, when he led the NFL with 1,646 yards receiving.