Jim Mora Sure Can Hold a Grudge

You'd need a pretty compelling reason to refuse an invitation from the delightfully folksy Peyton Manning.

Well, it appears that Peyton's former coach in Indianapolis -- the cantankerous Jim Mora -- may very well have one.

The Colts are celebrating all things Peyton Manning at a Week 5 home game this season, the festivities including a statue dedication and number retirement.

Manning has extended a warm invitation to his first NFL head coach, but the 82-year old Mora respectfully declined.

But ... why?

Well, it turns out Mora is still a little sore about the way things ended in Indy.

Specifically, he doesn't care much for Bill Polian, who was the GM at the time of his departure.

Let's just say the relationship was somewhat strained.

According to Mora, he was asked by management to fire defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

When he refused, the playoff-winless coach was shown the door himself after four seasons.

Principles will get you nowhere in this life.

So, while it's been 15 years since all of this went down, Mora apparently wouldn't feel comfortable returning to Indy in such a formal setting, even to honor Manning.

In the meantime, we're legally bound to show certain clips whenever Jim Mora is discussed, so here you go:

Yep, playoffs.

And one more from his time in New Orleans:

Please, Jim.

Language.