NFL conducting ‘comprehensive’ Peyton Manning HGH investigation

The NFL is conducting a review of the Al Jazeera report that Peyton Manning had human growth hormone delivered to him under his wife’s name in 2011, according to The Associated Press. The league denied reports that it will not join forces with Major League Baseball and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to investigate allegations -- since recanted by a primary source in the report -- of athletes taking performance enhancing drugs.

On Wednesday, league officials told NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport that, while they will not comment on the specifics of the review until it is completed, it is occurring and they are working with MLB and USADA.

“The review is ongoing and comprehensive,” the NFL’s statement to Rapoport said. “It involves obtaining and reviewing numerous records, conducting multiple interviews and working with other entities. We do not comment on the specifics of these matters until the review is completed. We are working with MLB and USADA.”

There is no reported timetable for the investigation, but it will not be completed ahead of Super Bowl 50, which will feature Manning and the Denver Broncos.

ESPN’s T.J. Quinn reported Tuesday that the league would pursue its investigation independent of this matter. The NFL quickly contradicted the report.

Al Jazeera reported in late December accusations from a former intern at an Indianapolis anti-aging clinic that Manning’s wife received deliveries of human growth hormone in 2011 while Manning was recovering from neck surgery. The documentary did not focus solely on Manning, naming baseball stars Ryan Howard and Ryan Zimmerman as well as several other NFL players.

Manning has vehemently denied any truth to these claims. Howard and Zimmerman are filing a lawsuit for defamation against Al Jazeera, and Manning has said he may do the same after the season.