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

"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated via social media. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."

Wilson's remarks pointed to the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton was coaching the New Orleans Saints.

At that time, the league found that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering aggressive tackles on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.

What Sparked the Recent Dispute

Wilson's reaction came after Payton made comments following Denver's remarkable comeback victory over the Giants. Payton suggested that the team had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.

Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer facing Wilson instead of Dart.

"I spoke to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.

Context of the Coach-QB Relationship

• The quarterback was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245 million extension.
• The Broncos finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
• The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that ensured the player from suffering an injury.

Had Wilson remained on the team by March 2024, his $37M pay for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the player and his coach.