I had the following email exchange today with a sports columnist for The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, whose hit piece was titled "Peyton Manning's Tangled Legacy." He responds just like a troll. Original email:
Joe,
Really? One of the greatest football players of all time retires and you waste half of your allotted space casting aspersions on him?
Let's see, there's a "he said she said" incident from when Peyton was a teenager, that was conveniently brought to light again right before his retirement. And a retracted allegation of HGH use. Wow, what a "tangled legacy."
Peyton Manning is a man of impeccable character, on and off the field. You claim that his personality is "unknowable." Quite to the contrary, Peyton's core decency comes through very strongly. It is only those blinded by their own ideological agenda who are unable to see what's obvious to everyone else.
And stating his opinion that females shouldn't be in men's locker rooms somehow tarnishes his legacy? Do you believe men should be allowed in women's locker rooms? Didn't think so. Gee, Joe, you're sexist; why should only women have the right to privacy and dignity?
You're a small-minded, mean little man.
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His response:
"A man of impeccable character." you must know him well. Tell that to the woman who had to endure the smear campaign
thanks for reading
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My response: "Smear campaign"? The woman is the one still at it, 20 years later. And in her original affidavit 20 years ago, her version of what happened was identical to Manning's. You must know her well to accept her changing story at face value to the point of attacking Manning on the day he retired.
Considering you cover the Steelers, with no shortage of players who have done far worse things than the flimsy allegations against Manning, you should really look for a more delicate line of work. I can hardly wait to read your farewell article when James Harrison finally hangs 'em up. But somehow I suspect you'll be much more generous when that day arrives.
Link to Manning article:
http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/03/01/...ughright-1996-incident-greg-johnson-voicemail
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His response: I gave up worshipping athletes when I was about 9.
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My response: Too bad you still pedastilize women, including ones who can't keep their stories straight.