NFL Determines Peyton Manning Did Not Use Drugs

The NFL has determined that Peyton Manning did not use human growth hormone or any other performance-enhancing drug banned under the league's policy.

The league announced its decision in a statement released Monday, saying it "found no credible evidence" of allegations in an Al-Jazeera America report that Manning's wife received deliveries of HGH in 2011.

Before making its final determination, the NFL interviewed Manning and his wife, Ashley, who were "fully cooperative with the investigation," according to the league.

The NFL also received medical records pertinent to the case and, after reviewing them and the interviews, determined there wasn't any evidence that any violation had occurred.

The NFL Players Association also issued a statement later Monday about Manning, who retired earlier this offseason.

"As a former player, Peyton Manning is free to do whatever he believes is in his best interest," the NFLPA's statement said. "The Union knows that he understands the rights of players under the Collective Bargaining Agreement and would never do anything to hurt or undermine active players in support of those rights."

Al-Jazeera America reported in December that an intern at an Indianapolis anti-aging clinic was secretly recorded suggesting that Ashley Manning received shipments of HGH. Peyton Manning, then with the Indianapolis Colts, was rehabbing from neck surgeries. HGH is banned by professional sports leagues and is legal to prescribe for only a few specific medical conditions.

The intern, Charles Sly, recanted his statements, which were recorded without his knowledge. He said they were fabricated in an attempt to impress a potential business partner.

New Guidelines For Concussion Protocol

The NFL and NFL Players Association on Monday jointly announced new guidelines designed to probe and punish teams that violate the league's game-day concussion protocol.

Under the new policy, when a team's medical staff or other employee is determined to violate the concussion protocol, the team could be subject to discipline -- either fines of anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000 for a first violation, or loss of draft picks.

Fines for violators will ramp up to a minimum of $100,000 for second and each additional violation of the concussion protocol.

There are additional penalties if the violation involves aggravating circumstances, and the commissioner may impose more severe financial penalties and require clubs to forfeit picks if it's determined that a club's medical team ignored protocol for competitive reasons.

To enforce the new policy, the league and the players union will each designate a representative to monitor teams' implementation of the protocol and investigate potential violations. The league and union's joint statement said the investigation will not make medical conclusions, but will only determine whether the protocol was followed. An arbitrator will handle cases where the league and union disagree and report to the commissioner.

Redskins' Gallette Will Miss Second Consecutive Season

Washington Redskins linebacker Junior Galette has confirmed he will miss a second consecutive season with an Achilles injury.

In a direct message via Twitter, Galette said he tore his right Achilles tendon during football drills Sunday. The news was first reported by NFL.com.

Galette tweeted that he had been in the best shape of his life "and this happens to me now."

Galette tore his left Achilles the week before the 2015 season opener, costing him all of that season. He had worked his way back from that injury and was supposed to be ready for the start of training camp Thursday so that he could be in position to help Washington this season as a pass-rusher.

It's been a rough year for Galette. The Saints released him shortly before their 2015 camp was to begin, just as he had recovered from a right pectoral tear. The Redskins signed Galette to a one-year deal in which they received first right of refusal on his next contract. But on the Wednesday before the season opener, he tore his Achilles in practice.