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 problems or since he fears that he may possibly say some thing 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 and advertising dollars.
“[T]hat’s what his silence is about — sweet money,” Freeman writes. “He’s willing to take only so a lot of a stance and jeopardize his standing as America’s football good guy and bankable commercial star. Brees doesn’t appear 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 numerous others, performing so understanding taking a public stance could potentially price them among a divided fan base.”
Freeman will join PFT Live on Monday to discuss this and other aspects of the labor dispute.
