What stage are we in now with Peyton Manning?
There’s an action — in this case an incident between Manning and former Tennessee trainer in 1996. There’s a reaction (Shaun King’s article in the New York Daily News). There’s an intense and sometimes vile over-reaction (shaming from social media) and a passionate and defiant counter-reaction (Manning fans rushing to his defense) and subsequent digging on both sides.
There’s often a realization that it went too far. Then a move to the next one, not caring how much damage was inflicted on both sides.
GENTILLE: Why Manning will be fine | MORE: Manning's side of story
Only the damage to Manning’s persona will never be undone.