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 since he doesn’t believe he fully understands the nuances of the labor/litigation issues or due to the fact he fears that he may possibly say something that he shouldn’t say.”
Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com has an even far 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 considerably of a stance and jeopardize his standing as America’s football great 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, such as Jay Feely, Mike Vrabel, and Osi Umenyiora, amongst several other people, doing so realizing taking a public stance could potentially price them amongst a divided fan base.”
Freeman will join PFT Live on Monday to talk about this and other aspects of the labor dispute.
