After days of “he said, she said” by Peyton Manning and Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, they got together to issue the following joint statement via the Colts website. As things have progressed, it sounds more and more like mom and dad are getting a divorce and trying hard to explain things to the kids in a positive fashion.
We would like to dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us.
Since 1998, we have enjoyed a great relationship, based upon mutual respect and trust. We have always been able to talk and address matters we’ve faced over the years, not just as owner and player, but as friends. We had a long talk today and we want to assure Colts fans everywhere that we are both committed to maintaining our close relationship and to working together through any challenges the future may bring.
This was at the end of a series of exchanges today, on the heels of Manning’s comments earlier this week about all the changes in the Colts organization. Today, Irsay responded.
“Look, I have so much affection and appreciation for Peyton,” Irsay said. “We’re family, you know, we always will be and we are.”
But he went on to respond to Manning’s comments that it wasn’t “a very good place for healing,” and that with all the organizational changes, there was a negative cloud hanging over Lucas Oil Stadium.
Irsay said, “I don’t think it’s in a good interest to paint the horseshoe in a negative light, I really don’t.”
“He’s such a big part of that and everything else, but the horseshoe always comes first.
“I think one thing that he’s always known, because he’s been around it so long, is you keep it in the family. If you’ve got a problem, you talk to each other. It’s not about campaigning or anything like that.”
Manning then responded later today, saying, “At this point, Mr. Irsay and I owe it to each other and to the fans of the organization to handle this appropriately and professionally, and I think we will. I’ve already reached out to Mr. Irsay. I wasn’t trying to paint the Colts in a bad light, but it’s tough when so many people you’ve known for so long are suddenly leaving. I feel very close to a lot of these guys and we’ve done great things together. It’s hard to watch an old friend clean out his office. That’s all I was trying to say.”
“I just want to keep rehabbing and working hard, and when the time is right for Mr. Irsay and I to sit down, I look forward to a healthy conversation about my future. I’ve worked too hard and have such great respect and have so many great relationships inside the building and out, and it’s incredibly important that those remain.”
So, apparently mom and dad are going to try a little counseling, but both of them want the kids to know that they still love them. Hopefully, Colts fans can make it through this process without needing counseling of their own.
