Sean Payton clarifies his stance after ‘classless’ attack by former quarterback Russell Wilson
Sean Payton didn’t waste any time with his comments about his former quarterback.
The Denver Broncos pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in the NFL this season with a miraculous fourth-quarter performance by quarterback Bo Nix and the offense. However, despite the thrilling victory, the big talking point from the contest was the back-and-forth between head coach Sean Payton and his former quarterback and current Giants backup quarterback, Russell Wilson.
After the victory, Payton appeared to call out Wilson, preferring that he would have gotten the start over Dart, without mentioning him by name. Wilson responded by going to social media, discussing Payton’s connection with “bountygate,” while calling the head coach “classless.”
Payton has since denied that his postgame comments were about Wilson, making the backup quarterback’s vicious social media attack a bit awkward.
“Look, the euphoria, the way that game unfolded, that was strictly about Dart,” Payton said. “That was in no way, shape, or form anything that was directed at Russ. I might be able to see how he might have perceived that. But coming off that win and watching how [Dart] played, that wasn’t my intention at all.”
Wilson’s social media attack on his former head coach goes viral
The “classless” message from Wilson spread like wildfire on social media after Payton’s comments. Needless to say, Wilson did not take too kindly to the potential slight.
“Classless. . . but not surprised. . .,” Wilson wrote. “Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media. #LetsRide”
Wilson’s response was directed at Payton’s initial postgame comments. While showering the Giants front office with love, Payton also joked that because of Dart’s impressive performance, he was hoping the team would get a look at a different quarterback, at least for the matchup between the two clubs.
“They found a little spark with that quarterback (Dart),” Payton said. “I was talking to (Giants owner) John Mara not too long ago and I said, ‘We were hoping that change would’ve happened long after our game.’”
The exchanges between Payton and Wilson might not carry much weight in the grand scheme, but it certainly added some heat to one of the wildest finishes of the NFL season. Whether Payton’s explanation settles things or not, it’s clear that old wounds between the two haven’t completely healed, at least for Wilson.
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