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New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson did not hold back on online platforms this Tuesday, responding to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.

"Classless... but not shocked...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the press."

The quarterback's remarks pointed to the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the New Orleans Saints.

During that period, the league determined that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the league for a full year.

The Cause of the Latest Dispute

The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made remarks following the Broncos' historic 33-32 victory over the New York. The coach remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.

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,'" the coach commented.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• The quarterback was traded to the Broncos from the Seahawks in 2022 and signed a five-year, $245 million extension.
• The team finished 4-11 in his debut year before the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a stint in TV commentary.
• The coach replaced Wilson 15 games into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the player from getting injured.

If Wilson remained on the roster by spring 2024, his $37M salary for 2025 would have been guaranteed. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the contentious breakup between the player and his mentor.