There was a bit of an awkward moment at the Indianapolis Colts press conference to announce Peyton Manning's release Wednesday.
Colts owner Jim Irsay spoke first saying "salary cap problems" and the team's "rebuilding" status were to blame for the split.
But then in answering a reporter's question, Peyton had this to say:
"Contract and the money was never a factor."
Irsay then interrupted Peyton and kept talking about the team's rebuilding efforts.
It appears to us as though Peyton was trying to gingerly reveal that his relationship with Irsay has been strained these last few months. He just didn't want to make a scene and tell the whole story.
While Irsay thought it would be best to blame money for the split.
Money, i.e. $28 million, was a primary reason for the split, but Peyton wanted to leave the only organization he's ever known with class and dignity.
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See Also:
- LIVE VIDEO: Peyton Manning Press Conference
- IT'S OFFICIAL: The Indianapolis Colts Have Released Peyton Manning
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