Peyton Manning and the Best and Worst Exits in Sports

Breakups are always hard, from the stressful goodbye to the impending jealousy of seeing a former love with someone else.

But splits in sports? Well, they're often controversial, and always juicy.

With Peyton Manning's release having been held in quite the classy fashion today, now seems like the perfect time to check out the best and worst exits in sports.

Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Worst: Nick Saban

His heart may have been in college ball, but Nick Saban left the Miami Dolphins in what was one of the most pathetic departures in sports.

Perhaps the regrets of signing an aged Daunte Culpepper over Drew Brees got to him.

Best: Peyton Manning

Well, that was cute.

Peyton Manning has always been a professional and the Colts always a classy organization.

A perfect ending to their Cinderella story, excluding the glass shoe, of course.

Worst: Lane Kiffin

After being torn to shreds and fired from "tha Raidas" by Al Davis, Lane Kiffin went to the University of Tennessee.

He spent a year there before leaving to take on the coaching job at USC, during recruiting season no less.

Oh, and you can bet he took those recruits with him. Ouch.

Best: Andre Agassi

A three-minute standing ovation pretty much sums up a magnificent and historical career.

Eccentric, unique and passionate was Andre Agassi.

Those chills will go away soon.

Worst: Brett Favre

This was only the start of the madness for Brett Favre.

Heartfelt? Certainly. But a sign of things to come? We had no idea.

Best: Shaquille O'Neal

If only the Knicks truly did bring him in as general manager, we'd be a happier city.

Shaq was just as funny as he was physically dominant on the hardwood during his 19 seasons.

Always a joy.

Worst: LeBron James

After weeks of perspiration and juicy rumors, the supposed "King" decided to bring his skills to South Beach.

Cleveland fans burning his jersey was just a moderate display of how his hometown felt.

Best: John Elway

Sixteen seasons with one team is sure to garner plenty of respect.

John Elway dedicated his life and soul to the Broncos, and Denver was clearly heartbroken to lose him.

Tears were imminent.

Worst: Joe Paterno

Forty-six years as head coach and over 400 wins, seemingly tarnished in a heartbeat.

What a sad departure for one of the most revered college coaches in history.

Best: Lou Gehrig

The classiest of classy, Lou Gehrig was beloved by the City of New York.

Even photographers were crying on this memorable day.