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NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this Tuesday, responding to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.

"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."

Wilson's response directly referenced the notorious bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

During that period, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded players for making aggressive tackles on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.

What Sparked the Latest Dispute

Wilson's reaction came after Payton delivered comments following Denver's historic comeback victory over the New York. Payton suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had told Giants owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson instead of Dart.

"I spoke to John Mara recently and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" the coach commented.

Background of the Coach-QB Relationship

• The quarterback was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M extension.
• The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season before Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
• The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson remained on the roster by March 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the contentious split between the player and his mentor.