DENVER, Colo. - It's a hot topic in sports columns and talk shows. And it's an issue Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen has raised himself: problems with short term memory loss.
Back in May, Denver Post Columnist Woody Paige said Bowlen told him he was in good health but "had experienced short term memory loss in recent months." In his recent ESPN blog, Rick Reilly raises the possibility that memory loss was a factor in the Jay Cutler-Josh McDaniels fiasco earlier his year.
Bowlen still insists quarterback Jay Cutler never called him and that's why he was traded. But Reilly claims several sources tell him Cutler did call Bowlen, not once, but twice.
We found an even earlier situation where Bowlen himself references memory issues.
According to NFL.com, in early March, Cutler, upset about Mike Shanahan being fired, said he had a conversation with Bowlen where the owner promised no changes to the offense.
NFL.com quotes Bowlen as saying, "I really have had no discussions with Jay. Now to be fair, I don't think I had that discussion. I don't recall it. I know I'm getting up there in age and I'm not sure of that discussion."
Brandon Marshall says he had a meeting in June with Bowlen. Marshall's lawyer, Harvey Steinberg told that Bowlen told Marshall he was his favorite player, next to John Elway, and that he wanted him to be happy. However, Bowlen also told the Pro Bowl wide receiver that if he wanted to be traded, he would be, according to Steinberg.
The Broncos seem to have forgotten that too.
Is this a business or negotiating strategy? Or are Bowlen's admitted memory loss issues something more serious.
Dr. Alan Anderson, a Neurology Professor at the University of Colorado says a lot of things can cause memory loss. He emphasizes he's not trying to diagnose anyone and is not commenting specifically about Bowlen. But he says, in general, many things can cause memory loss issues, like medication or other medical issues or depression or drugs and alcohol.
Anderson, however, points out that it's one thing to forget details of a conversation, and another to forget that you ever had it. He says tests can pinpoint the cause of memory issues and can determine whether the problem is something serious, like Alzheimer's.
Anderson says anyone who has concerns about memory loss issues should check with their doctor.
The Broncos said they had no comment on this issue.