SPORTS BRIEFS: Peyton Manning cleared of doping allegations

Manning cleared of doping allegations

There is no credible evidence that future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning used human growth hormone or performance-enhancing drugs as was alleged in an Al-Jazeera documentary, the National Football League said on Monday.

Manning, who retired at the end of last season after leading the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl win over the Carolina Panthers, had denied allegations made in the documentary that he took human growth hormone while recovering from neck surgery in 2011.

The NFL said in a statement that the Mannings were fully cooperative with the investigation and provided both interviews and access to all records sought by the investigators.

The Al-Jazeera report, released in December, alleged that Manning’s wife received deliveries of HGH at their home in 2011 while he was recovering from surgery while playing for the Indianapolis Colts.

The investigation was led by the NFL’s security and legal teams with support from expert consultants and other professionals.

While Manning, a five-times NFL most valuable player, was cleared the league said it would continue to investigate allegations made against other players.

Manning was the most prominent of the names mentioned in the report which also implicated Green Bay’s Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers, former Packer Mike Neal and James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Yankees agree to trade Chapman to Cubs

The New York Yankees have agreed to a blockbuster trade that will send closer Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs, according to multiple reports Monday.

The Cubs reportedly will send a four-player package to the Yankees — top shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres, minor league outfielder Billy McKinney, relief pitcher Adam Warren and an unidentified fourth player.

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has approved the deal, according to the reports.

Speculation circulated Monday that one reason why the teams have not announced the trade is because the Cubs are attempting to sign Chapman to a long-term deal, ESPN reported. Chapman, a free agent after this season, is making $11.325 million.

Chapman, a left-hander known for a fastball that can reach 105 mph, has been one of the biggest names rumored to be on the trading block.

Chapman would fill one of the few remaining holes on a loaded Cubs roster — that of an experienced left-handed reliever. He has 166 saves over his seven-year major league career, the first six of which were with the Cincinnati Reds.

NFL reinstates Gordon on conditional basis

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been reinstated to the NFL on a conditional basis after meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell last week regarding his indefinite drug ban, the league announced Monday.

Gordon will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season and will be eligible to return to the team beginning Monday, Oct. 3. During this suspension, Gordon may participate in team meetings and other activities but may not attend or participate in practices or games.

Gordon may join the team at training camp, which starts Thursday, and participate in meetings, conditioning work and similar activities. He will be permitted to participate in all preseason activities, including practices and games.

Gordon had been suspended indefinitely since February 2015 without pay for multiple violations of the NFL-NFLPA Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.

“As we discussed at our (July 19) meeting, as Commissioner, I want nothing more than to see you turn your circumstances around and succeed,” Goodell wrote in a letter to Gordon. “Countless others including your agent, teammates and coaches, (Browns owner Jimmy) Haslam and the leadership of the organization, the Program professionals and Jim Brown also have pledged to provide you with every resource at their disposal. But as you acknowledged, ultimately, your future is your responsibility. I have every belief that you can make the right choices, but it will be up to you to do so.”

Gordon, 25, was suspended for two games in 2013, 10 games in 2014 and the entire 2015 season. He caught 87 passes for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns during his Pro Bowl 2013 season.