Peyton Manning has, for the most part, exuded class. Last night, during his post-game press conference Manning applauded the Saints for their effort and victory and expressed his joy for the city in which he grew up. However….to not seek out Drew Brees and congratulate him, shake his hand after the game, even if for a moment, was classless. You can make all of the excuses you want about the pandemonium on the field, the masses of media, the not wanting to steal the spotlight…whatever, it was classless. Manning, during his post-game press conference explained, ""The stage is being set up for the celebration and it was time for the Saints to celebrate at midfield.  They deserved the moment.''  The Colts QB did say that he would call Brees and congratulate him but, to me, the moment has passed.

There have been times that Peyton has looked rather whiney and immature and at that moment, he very much resembled that description.

One of the best moments that I can remember in a long time was Brees holding his new son as the confetti flew and the Saints QB was whispering in the covered ears of his boy as tears of joy filled his eyes. What would have made that moment a little more joyous would have been, just prior to that, to see one of the best to ever play the quarterback position fight through the ring of media and give the traditional congratulatory hug and words of wisdom to his victorious counterpart. Manning instead chose to walk quickly off the field with his security entourage bookending him. 

Sportsmanship doesn’t only come in victory, it’s revealed, much like character, in defeat. 

* Manning Skips Handshake
* Poor Sportsmanship
* A Squandered Opportunity

         

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