Graham Bensinger Apologizes for Viral Mike Macdonald-Sean Payton Feud Clip

Graham Bensinger, the producer of the viral video featuring Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald discussing a feud with Broncos coach Sean Payton, has issued an apology and explained the circumstances surrounding the clip's release. The interview, which detailed Payton's accusation that the Seahawks were spying after using social media clips from practice to game plan, was published on Sept. 16, according to Bensinger.

Bensinger stated that the complete interview, including the exchange in question, was provided to Seahawks PR five days prior to its publication on YouTube. He noted that no concerns were raised by the Seahawks during that period, nor were they asked to remove the segment. Bensinger explained that his show typically includes pre-interview conversations in long-form releases.

Macdonald reached out to Bensinger the morning after the video's online circulation, expressing concern. Bensinger immediately agreed to remove the portion, which was subsequently done. However, he acknowledged that the clip had already been clipped and circulated by other online outlets. "I told Coach, in hindsight, I regretted allowing that exchange to be included and that it was my error in judgment," Bensinger wrote on X.

In the original video, Macdonald detailed how Payton threatened to accuse the Seahawks of a spygate-style cheating scandal. The Seahawks, in turn, reportedly threatened to sue Payton.

Both coaches have since addressed the incident, confirming that they have reconciled. Macdonald stated that the situation was unintentional and that he apologized to Payton for it becoming public. "It's something that I didn't intend for public use," Macdonald told reporters. "But I felt like it was the most appropriate thing to reach out to Sean and really just apologize to him for having that end up be public where it wasn’t meant to be."

Payton confirmed their reconciliation, stating, "He and I are good." He added that the Denver organization has since revised its rules regarding fan-posted social media content from practices.

Macdonald acknowledged the incident as a learning experience. "I’ve got to be better in that moment for understanding — look, I’m responsible for what I say," he said. "Really, no matter the circumstance. Whether you’re mic’d up, whether you’re not, whether you have a certain type of understanding. I fell short in that moment."

The exchange is expected to be a talking point when the Seahawks face the Broncos on Oct. 15.