Peyton Manning cleared of doping after seven-month NFL probe
Monday 25 July 2016 17:15, UK
Peyton Manning has been exonerated after a seven-month NFL investigation into allegations he broke the league's anti-doping policy.
Former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback Manning, who retired after winning Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos, was accused by Al-Jazeera America of taking human growth hormone (HGH), which had been shipped to his wife Ashley.
The report was condemned by Manning, who called it "completely fabricated, complete trash, garbage" and said he had been clean as he attempted to come back to the league after missing the 2011 season with a serious neck problem.
Four other players - Green Bay linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers, Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison and free agent Mike Neal - are still under investigation.
An NFL statement read: "The Mannings were fully cooperative with the investigation and provided both interviews and access to all records sought by the investigators.
"Initiated in January, the investigation was led by the NFL's security and legal teams with support from expert consultants and other professionals.
"The investigation involved witness interviews, a review of relevant records and other materials, online research, and laboratory analysis and review.
"Separately, the NFL's investigation continues into the documentary's allegations made against other NFL players, which involve different lines of inquiry and witnesses."
