NFL: Pharmacist retracts claims of Peyton Manning using drugs

Peyton Manning. Photo / Getty

The pharmacist in the Peyton Manning scandal has recanted his claims which have linked the superstar quarterback to performance enhancing drugs.

Charlie Sly alleged in an Al Jazeera investigation that he shipped human growth hormones to Manning's wife, whose name was on the shipping label.

Sly has now told ESPN: "When I realized Al Jazeera was using a secret taping and (reporter Liam) Collins as a so-called investigative reporter, I was baffled.

"I cannot believe that can happen. That's why I recanted the story. It wasn't true and I was trying to pull one over on Collins to see if he had any idea of what he was talking about."

Manning has called the claims "complete garbage." The 37-year-old missed the 2011 season because of injuries and surgeries. Al Jazeera claims Manning was given HGH during his rehab. Manning returned to action in 2012 with the Denver Broncos.

The latest Al Jazeera report carries excerpts from the ESPN interview with Manning, in which it says he "disavowed" his statements to Collins, a British hurdler who carried out the undercover investigation.

Manning says he "busted my butt to get healthy" after a bad neck injury in 2011.

"Time and hard work was my best medicine," Manning said. "It stings me [that] whoever this guy is says that I cut corners, I broke rules to get healthy."

Manning said he used a hyperbaric chamber, received 35 days of treatment to enhance blood flow in his muscles, and had nutrient therapies. "All under coach authorization," he said. "Anything else this guy is insinuating is complete garbage."

In a statement, the Broncos said, "Knowing Peyton Manning and everything he stands for, the Denver Broncos support him 100 percent. These are false claims made to Al Jazeera, and we don't believe the report."

Sly also named baseball players Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals and Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies as recipients of human growth hormone. Both denied the allegations.