When meeting with reporters on Wednesday, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning had nothing to say about what Colts owner Jim Irsay had to say about Peyton.
After his media session, Manning talked privately with Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star.
The question was simple and direct: “Do you bear any ill will or resentment toward the Colts?”
Per Kravitz, Manning paused, looked down at the floor, and then shook his head.
“To answer a question like that doesn’t serve me well,” Manning said. “I feel like the question is based on the [Irsay] comments, so it’s just easier not to answer anything along those lines.”
As Kravitz points out, any response other than “no” means that the truth may be “yes.” And Manning’s reference to the Irsay comments in answering the question from Kravitz provides a glimpse into how Manning interpreted the remarks.
So it’s not just a media creation, even though some in the media have rushed to Irsay’s defense, describing the interpretation of Irsay’s remarks as a shot at Peyton as foolish or asinine. Under that standard, Peyton Manning apparently is being foolish and asinine, too.
When the clock strikes zero on Sunday night, there likely will be only one person viewed and foolish and asinine. And that person will seem even more foolish and asinine if Manning and the Broncos win a Super Bowl or two over the next few years.