NFL says investigation into Peyton Manning HGH allegations will continue
The NFL’s investigation into allegations that human growth hormone was shipped to Peyton Manning's house won’t end with the quarterback's retirement.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy described the investigation as “ongoing and comprehensive" in an email to USA TODAY Sports on Monday. The league used identical wording ahead of Super Bowl 50, in which Manning and the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers.
“We do not comment on the specifics of these matters until the review is completed,” McCarthy said.
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Manning announced Monday that he is retiring after 18 years in the NFL. Sports attorney Daniel L. Wallach told USA TODAY Sports that Manning is no longer obligated to cooperate with the investigation since retired players don't fall under the collective bargaining agreement.
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“He could tell the NFL to pound sand,” said Wallach, a partner at the firm Becker & Poliakoff. “But if he refuses to cooperate, it could set back his efforts to remain part of the league as a coach, front office executive or team owner. Through this lens it makes no sense for Peyton to refuse to work with investigators, and it’s clearly in his best interests to offer some level of cooperation.”
While Manning’s final season concluded with his second Super Bowl title, it proved to be the most taxing in his pro career.
Manning struggled with a foot injury and, overall, didn't perform close to the level that made him a five-time NFL MVP. Then came Al Jazeera America's report on Dec. 28.
The network said shipments of human growth hormone were made to Manning’s home as he recovered from a career-threatening neck injury. In the piece, a former pharmaceutical intern at an Indianapolis anti-aging clinic was caught on a hidden camera saying he had knowledge Manning and other athletes used performance-enhancing drugs.
The pharmacy worker, Charlie Sly, recanted those claims, and Manning strongly denied he ever used performance-enhancing drugs.
Manning called the documentary a “complete fabrication.”
"It's garbage from the first day it came out and still garbage today," Manning said before the Super Bowl.
Manning said he welcomed the NFL’s investigation launched after the documentary aired. The NFL partnered with U.S. Anti-Doping Agency - the entity that polices U.S. Olympic and UFC athletes - and Major League Baseball as part of the investigation.
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