New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, responding to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.
"Classless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated on X. "Didn't realize you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media."
Wilson's response directly referenced the notorious Bounty Gate issue from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.
At that time, the league found that the Saints had rewarded players for making aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for one season.
What Sparked the Recent Dispute
The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered comments following Denver's remarkable 33-32 win over the Giants. The coach remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.
Moreover, Payton hinted that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson instead of Dart.
"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" the coach commented.
Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship
- Wilson joined the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M contract.
- The team went 4-11 in his first season prior to the team hired Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
- The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that ensured the player from suffering an injury.
If Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for 2025 would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the contentious breakup between the quarterback and his mentor.
