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New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this week, responding to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson declared via social media. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."

Wilson's remarks directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate controversy 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 received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.

The Cause of the Recent Dispute

The quarterback's reaction came after Payton delivered comments after the Broncos' remarkable comeback victory over the Giants. The coach remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather playing against Wilson over Dart.

"I spoke 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 stated.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• The quarterback was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245M extension.
• The team finished 4 wins and 11 losses in his first season prior to the team brought in Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
• The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a move that prevented the quarterback from suffering an injury.

If Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million salary for the following year would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, ending the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his coach.