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

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

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

During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering aggressive tackles on rival teams. As a result, Payton was suspended from the league for one season.

What Sparked the Latest Dispute

The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made remarks after the Broncos' historic 33-32 victory over the Giants. Payton remarked that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.

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

"I was talking to John Mara recently 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 Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and inked a five-year, $245M contract.
• The Broncos finished 4-11 in his debut year prior to the team brought in Payton, who was returning to coaching after a period in TV commentary.
• The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a move that prevented the player from suffering an injury.

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