National Football League

Did Manning, Gase violate CBA with trip to see Saban?

Published Apr. 18, 2014 6:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

Peyton Manning’s thirst of knowledge for football could get the Denver Broncos in some hot water.

The Broncos quarterback and offensive coordinator Adam Gase recently made a trip together to Tuscaloosa, Ala. to share some knowledge with Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

“To be honest with you, [Manning] was just trying to learn so he could be a better player,” Saban told AL.com. “I think a lot of people would say, ‘Wow, the guy is one of the best, if not the best, and certainly from a career standpoint probably about as good as anybody’s been in the history of the league. After all the experience and knowledge that he has, he’s going out and trying to seek more knowledge and understanding of the game of football so he can play better.”

Because Manning and Gase were together, it could be a potential CBA violation as the labor deal has limits on offseason activities. Under Article 21, Section 2(a)(ii), players “are not permitted to participate in . . . group or individual meetings with coaches” before the start of the team’s official offseason training program.

Since the Broncos haven’t started their official offseason program, the quarterback and coordinator meeting is a clear violation. Now, the league must decide if the Broncos should be subject to discipline.