Peyton Manning shows LeBron James how it’s done

Peyton Manning wanted to stay with his team but was pushed out the door by ownership. LeBron James was leaving a team that desperately wanted him to stay. Which one do you think had the classier farewell?

While there seems to be an ever-decreasing level of humility and grace in the sports world, former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning gave a farewell news conference Wednesday and thanked the Colts and the team owners for giving him a chance to lead the team for so many years.

“We all know that nothing lasts forever,� Manning said. “Times change, circumstances change, and that’s the reality of playing in the NFL.... But I’ll always be a Colt. I always will be. That’ll never change.�

Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay each fought tears as they appeared together at a news conference at the Colts’ team complex.

“This has not been easy for Jim,� Manning said, “and this has certainly not been easy for me.�

And Irsay then thanked Manning: “There will be no other Peyton Manning. Today we honor incredible memories and incredible things that he’s done for the franchise, for the city, for the state.�

Compare that to James’ self-centered “The Decision� TV special, in which he announced that he would be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to sign with the Miami Heat.

“I didn’t want to make an emotional decision. I wanted to do what was best for LeBron James and what would make him happy,� James said back then. “This is a business and I had seven great years in Cleveland. I hope the fans understand; maybe they won’t.�

Humility vs. hubris. Let’s hope LeBron James, and anyone else who leaves the team they found success with, was watching.

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