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NY Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on social media this Tuesday, reacting to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.

"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated on X. "Had no idea you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the media."

The quarterback's remarks directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009 to 2011, when Payton led the Saints.

At that time, the league found that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering aggressive tackles on rival teams. Consequently, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.

The Cause of the Recent Exchange

Wilson's response came after Payton made remarks after Denver's historic 33-32 win over the Giants. Payton suggested that the Giants had "discovered new energy" with Jaxson Dart, who has taken over Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Additionally, Payton implied that he had informed Giants owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson instead of Dart.

"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We hoped that the switch would've happened well after our game,'" the coach commented.

Background of the Wilson-Payton Partnership

• Wilson was traded to the Denver from Seattle in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245 million extension.
• The team finished 4-11 in his debut year before Denver brought in Payton, who was returning to the sidelines after a period in TV commentary.
• The coach replaced Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that prevented 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 guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was released, ending the ugly split between the player and his coach.