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New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, responding to latest comments from his former coach Sean Payton.

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

The quarterback's response directly referenced the infamous Bounty Gate controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.

At that time, the league found that the Saints had incentivized players for delivering hard hits on rival teams. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for a full year.

What Sparked the Latest Exchange

Wilson's response came after Payton made comments following the Broncos' remarkable 33-32 win over the New York. Payton remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the starting quarterback.

Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would prefer playing against Wilson over 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,'" Payton stated.

Context of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• The quarterback joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245 million extension.
• The Broncos went 4-11 in his debut year prior to Denver hired Payton, who was coming back to coaching after a stint in broadcasting.
• Payton replaced Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that ensured the player from getting injured.

If Wilson remained on the team by spring 2024, his $37 million pay for the following year would have been locked in. In the end, Wilson was let go, ending the contentious split between the player and his mentor.