Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) says NFL players Eli and Peyton Manning “don’t do sexual assault against people, other than their wives,” — and it’s being dubbed the “gaffe of the year.”
The congressman is asked about a sexual assault case involving a Tennessee Titans player in video posted Friday on TMZ.com.
{mosads}“I don’t keep up with football, except college football. Unless it’s Eli Manning or Peyton Manning,” Cohen, 65, replies. Eli Manning plays for the New York Giants, while brother Peyton Manning is the Denver Broncos’ quarterback.
“Eli and Peyton don’t do sexual assaults against people, other than their wives,” says Cohen.
Ben Garmisa, Cohen’s communications director, told ITK, “Congressman Cohen misspoke, abhors sexual violence of any kind, is a fan of both Manning brothers, and deeply regrets any confusion. His intention was simply to indicate that Eli and Peyton are in committed, monogamous marriages.”
For the record, neither of the squeaky-clean football pros’ wives has ever accused them of assault.
This story was updated at 12:13 p.m.