Peyton Manning: Battle with Colts Makes Him Look Like the NFL's Biggest Diva

"I, Peyton Manning. Take you, Indianapolis Colts. To be my team for all eternity. To have an to hold from this day forward, For richer or poorer (that never happens). In sickness and in health. Until I grow older and then it is my time to step aside."

When Peyton Manning was drafted in 1998 by the Colts, no one could have predicted the success both he and his team would experience in the 13 years the two have been married to each other.

Three neck surgeries, a desire to draft the best quarterback to come of college since Manning left Tennessee, and a growing battle with management, especially Jim Irsay, and it looks like the two sides are heading for a bitter divorce.

A recent story in ESPN.com would state otherwise, however in this day of TMZ.com, People Magazine and hourly reports from E Magazine, sports fans know better than to think words that harsh can just be swept under the rug.

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"We would like to dispel any misperception that there might be any hard feelings between us," the two said Friday in a statement issued by the team. "Since 1998, we have enjoyed a great relationship, based upon mutual respect and trust. We have always been able to talk and address matters we've faced over the years, not just as owner and player, but as friends.

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And because the Colts paid Manning $26 million this year without having to place him on injured reserve for the 2011 season, the question of another $28 million for the 2012 due to Manning has been the subject of just how far the Colts will allow their relationship with him to continue when there's a new quarterback possibly on the horizon.

But the saga take a few more steps toward deep waters because it would appear that is it Manning who felt he has been done wrong by management, most notably Irsay, in this dilemma.

According to a story written in the Indianapolis Star that appeared on yardbarker.com, Manning has expressed how upset he has been in the way the Colts handled firing of management and coaches after the season and that “I’m not in a very good place for healing, let’s say that,” Manning said of the Colts’ facilities. “It’s not a real good environment down there right now, to say the least. Everybody’s walking around on eggshells. I don’t recognize our building right now. There’s such complete and total change.

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“I’m not in a very good place for healing, let’s say that,” Manning said of the Colts’ facilities. “It’s not a real good environment down there right now, to say the least. Everybody’s walking around on eggshells. I don’t recognize our building right now. There’s such complete and total change.”

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Could this be another case of a diva thinking he's bigger than the team he plays for? Yes, Manning is the center of attention in the Colts organization. Yes, he has been "the team" since he became the team's top choice in 1998. Yes, the team never prepared for his eventual departure and possible injury that may sideline him. Yes, he was worth the money paid to him, but the Colts needs to fish or cut bait.

While the Manning saga is not uncommon in the NFL, with other stars through the years having been in similar situations about knowing when to leave and knowing when to retire, Manning is the most recent case of a player who thinks they are bigger than the team. Only problem is he is bigger than a Terrell Owens, a Chad Ochocinco or a Vincent Jackson.  And his success warrants a little give and take. But if Manning is not willing to compromise, maybe take a pay cut and help usher in a new regime with new head coach Chuck Pagano, the team will continue to sink.

Manning needs to take the high road, do the right thing and realize regardless of his name, the NFL is still bigger than he is. While he made the Colts a contender, they in turn made him a rich man. In this case, the hand that allowed Manning to show off his talents should not be bitten and the both should amicably part ways.