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

"Tasteless... but not surprised...," Wilson stated via social media. "Didn't realize you're still offering rewards 15+ years later through the press."

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

During that period, the NFL found that the Saints had rewarded team members for making aggressive tackles on opponents. As a result, Payton received a suspension from the NFL for one season.

The Cause of the Latest Dispute

Wilson's response came after Payton delivered comments following Denver's remarkable comeback victory over the Giants. The coach remarked that the team had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has replaced Wilson as the first-string QB.

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

"I was talking to John Mara not too long ago and I said, 'We were hoping that change would've happened well after our game,'" Payton stated.

Context of the Coach-QB Relationship

• Wilson joined the Denver from the Seahawks in 2022 and inked a 5-year, $245M contract.
• The team went 4-11 in his debut year prior to Denver hired Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a stint in TV commentary.
• Payton benched Wilson late into the 2023 season, a decision that ensured the quarterback from getting injured.

Had Wilson stayed on the team by spring 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been locked in. Ultimately, Wilson was released, marking the ugly breakup between the quarterback and his coach.