The NFL has declared it has found "no credible evidence" that two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Peyton Manning used human growth hormone following allegations made during a TV documentary.
The league launched an investigation in the new year after a report on Al-Jazeera America linked Manning with using the banned substance in 2011, when he was recovering from neck surgery while with the Indianapolis Colts.
Manning, who retired after winning his second Super Bowl ring in February, vehemently denied the accusations, labelling them "completely fabricated, complete trash, garbage" and, seven months on, the NFL has decreed that there is no evidence to support the documentary's claims against one of the game's most decorated players
A statement released by the league read: "Following a comprehensive seven-month investigation into allegations made in a documentary by Al-Jazeera America, the NFL found no credible evidence that Peyton Manning was provided with or used HGH or other substances prohibited by the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances, it was announced today.
"The Mannings were fully cooperative with the investigation and provided both interviews and access to all records sought by the investigators.
"Initiated in January, the investigation was led by the NFL's security and legal teams with support from expert consultants and other professionals. The investigation involved witness interviews, a review of relevant records and other materials, online research, and laboratory analysis and review."
The NFL added that it would continue its probe into other players who were named in the documentary, including defensive stars Julius Peppers, James Harrison and Clay Matthews.
The allegations first surfaced during the NFL's 2015 post-season when Manning led the Denver Broncos to Super Bowl victory over the Carolina Panthers in San Francisco in his 18th campaign as a professional.
Now 40, Manning retired after that contest having thrown for more yards and more touchdowns than any other signal caller in NFL history.
