USA TODAY quoted Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay as saying, “You make the playoffs 11 times, and you’re out in the first round seven out of 11 times. You love to have the Star Wars numbers from Peyton and Marvin (Harrison) and Reggie (Wayne). Mostly, you love this.”
According to USA TODAY, “this” is a reference to the owner’s Super Bowl championship ring.
USA TODAY then reported the quote bothered Peyton Manning’s current coach John Fox, who considered the comment as a criticism of Manning for winning only one Super Bowl.
People we provide media training to often request the service in anticipation of an event likely to prompt questions from reporters. USA TODAY quoted the Colts owner as Manning prepared to return to Indianapolis to face his old team. If we had provided media training beforehand for the Colts owner, we would have asked him during mock interviews the toughest and most uncomfortable questions we could conjure up about Manning. Even though the owner may not have intended to insult Manning, we would have explained how some people might infer he is criticizing his former star. We would have advised him to explain himself more carefully. The football world probably understands better than most that practice is crucial preparation for the real thing.
The Colts owner says people misunderstood his comment. He says he was referring to the organization as a whole and not singling out Manning. The Colts are honoring their former quarterback, but now media stories are focusing on his relationship with Irsay. Irsay posted several Tweets clarifying his point. Our point is he could have avoided this discussion and distraction from the start.