New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson has hit back at his former coach Sean Payton, accusing him of being "classless" in a social media post on Tuesday. The exchange followed Payton's comments over the weekend, in which he praised the Giants' decision to start Jaxson Dart over Wilson.
Wilson took to X to express his displeasure, writing: "Classless… but not surprised…. Didn’t realise you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media." The remark was a reference to the "Bounty Gate" scandal that led to Payton's suspension from the NFL during his tenure with the New Orleans Saints.
Payton had said on Sunday that the Giants "found a little spark" with Dart and hinted that he had told Giants owner John Mara he preferred to face Wilson. The tension between Wilson and Payton dates back to their time together in Denver, where Payton benched Wilson in 2023 to avoid triggering a $37m guarantee for the following season. Wilson was released by the Broncos in March 2024.
