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New York Giants signal-caller Russell Wilson didn't mince words on online platforms this week, reacting to latest comments from his ex-mentor Sean Payton.

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

Wilson's response pointed to the notorious bounty scandal controversy from 2009-11, when Payton led the Saints.

At that time, the NFL found that the Saints had incentivized team members for delivering hard hits on opponents. Consequently, Payton was suspended from the league for a full year.

The Cause of the Recent Exchange

The quarterback's reaction came after Payton made remarks following Denver's remarkable comeback win over the New York. The coach remarked that the Giants had "found a little spark" with their new QB, who has taken over Wilson as the first-string QB.

Moreover, Payton implied that he had informed team owner John Mara that he would rather facing Wilson over Dart.

"I was talking to John Mara recently and I said, 'We were hoping that the switch would've happened long after our game,'" the coach commented.

Background of the Wilson-Payton Relationship

• The quarterback was traded to the Broncos from Seattle in 2022 and signed a 5-year, $245 million contract.
• The team went 4 wins and 11 losses in his debut year prior to Denver brought in Payton, who was coming back to the sidelines after a period in broadcasting.
• The coach benched Wilson late into the 2023 campaign, a decision that prevented the quarterback from getting injured.

If Wilson stayed on the roster by March 2024, his $37M salary for the following year would have been guaranteed. In the end, Wilson was released, marking the contentious split between the player and his mentor.