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NY Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on social media this week, reacting to recent comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

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

Wilson's remarks pointed to the notorious bounty scandal issue from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.

At that time, the NFL determined that the Saints had rewarded team members for making hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton was suspended from the NFL for a full year.

What Sparked the Latest Dispute

Wilson's reaction came after Payton made remarks after the Broncos' remarkable comeback victory over the New York. Payton suggested that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.

Additionally, Payton hinted that he had told team 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 hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" Payton commented.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• Wilson was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M extension.
• The Broncos went 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in broadcasting.
• Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a move that ensured the player from getting injured.

If Wilson stayed on the roster by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the contentious breakup between the player and his coach.