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The friction began when Shawn Payton, coaching the Denver Broncos, took an apparent cheap shot at Russell Wilson, the team’s quarterback. Payton's comments seemed to be an unnecessary dig, aiming perhaps to undermine Wilson's character rather than critique his performance. Wilson, in response, called the remark "classless" on social media but was unsurprised by the attack, suggesting Payton’s barbs are part of a pattern rooted in lingering animosity.
Payton’s history indicates that he has a propensity for teasing or criticizing players and figures from past teams, sometimes publicly. This incident isn’t isolated; it seems consistent with Payton’s style of direct, sometimes provocative commentary, which some interpret as bullying.