NFL-Broncos QB Manning dismisses report of HGH use

Dec 26 (Reuters) - Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has denied media allegations that he took human growth hormone (HGH) to combat neck surgery in 2011. A soon-to-be-released Al-Jazeera report, which was given to the Huffington Post for early review, claims an Indianapolis anti-aging clinic supplied Manning with HGH while he was with the Indianapolis Colts. The NFL declined to comment on the report but the Broncos issued a statement on behalf of their 39-year-old quarterback who dismissed the claims. "The allegation that I would do something like that is complete garbage and is totally made up," Manning said in the statement. "It never happened. Never. I really can't believe somebody would put something like this on the air. Whoever said this is making stuff up." Manning did not play in 2011 because of a series of neck surgeries. The NFL collective bargaining agreement, ratified in 2011, banned HGH. But players weren't tested for the banned substance until 2014. No NFL player has tested positive for HGH. Manning has not played since Nov. 15 after he suffered a foot injury in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Reporting by Tim Wharnsby, editing by Amlan Chakraborty)