On Saturday, we offered up a take on why Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has suddenly gone into full-blown media avoidance mode. We ultimately surmised that Manning “simply doesn’t want to be put on the spot, either because he doesn’t believe he fully understands the nuances of the labor/litigation issues or because he fears that he may say something that he shouldn’t say.”
Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com has an even better take. Freeman thinks Manning is keeping a low profile in order to preserve his high profile when it comes to marketing dollars.
"[T]hat’s what his silence is about -- sweet cash,” Freeman writes. “He’s willing to take only so much of a stance and jeopardize his standing as America’s football good guy and bankable commercial star. Brees doesn’t seem to care, and agree or disagree with his position, he’s as principled a man as I’ve ever met. Other players have risked the long-term ire of fans, including Jay Feely, Mike Vrabel, and Osi Umenyiora, among many others, doing so knowing taking a public stance could potentially cost them among a divided fan base.”
Freeman will join PFT Live on Monday to discuss this and other aspects of the labor dispute.