Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and quarterback Peyton Manning say there are no hard feelings between them.
A day after Manning told The Indianapolis Star that he and Irsay "owe it to each other and to the fans" to deal with their public spat "appropriately and professionally," the two took the somewhat unusual step of issuing a joint statement through the team on Friday.Â
"We would like to dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us," it read.
"Since 1998, we have enjoyed a great relationship, based upon mutual respect and trust. We have always been able to talk and address matters we've faced over the years, not just as owner and player, but as friends. We had a long talk today and we want to assure Colts fans everywhere that we are both committed to maintaining our close relationship and to working together through any challenges the future may bring."
On Thursday, Irsay called Manning a "politician" and expressed irritation that the quarterback had discussed his concerns about team morale in the media rather than dealing with them in-house.
Though Irsay and Manning might have cleared the air via the press release, the future of the four-time NFL MVP with the Colts is still in doubt. The Colts have to decide whether to pay the quarterback, who missed all of the regular season after having neck surgery, a $28 million bonus or let him leave via free agency.
