School bans Manning jersey over gang concerns

GREELEY, Colo. - A Colorado third-grader wearing a Denver Broncos Peyton Manning jersey was sent home from school because Manning's No. 18 is too close to the name of a local gang, schools officials said.

The Greeley school district banned clothing with "18" on it three years ago because of the 18th Street Gang, the Greeley Tribune reported.

Gang members have been convicted of intimidation, burglary, organized crime and other violations, authorities said.

Officials said they don't want any gang-related clothes worn at school. Also banned are numbers 13 and 14, affiliated with other gangs, and the reverse of all three numbers, 31, 41 and 81.

John Gates, the district's security director, says he's a fan of the Broncos and their new quarterback, but the ban works and there are no plans to change it.

Manning signed with the Broncos in March after 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.