Payton Downplays Cheating Allegation After Seahawks Coach's Remarks

Sean Payton has addressed comments made by Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald regarding alleged cheating during a 2024 game between the two teams. Payton stated Wednesday that he and Macdonald have spoken and resolved any issues, describing their relationship as "good."

The controversy surfaced after Macdonald appeared on the show "In Depth with Graham Bensinger." A segment released on social media featured Macdonald recounting how the Seahawks scouted the Broncos during training camp by using plays fans had posted online. Seattle defeated Denver 26-20 on September 8, 2024, in a game that marked Bo Nix's debut for the Broncos.

Macdonald took responsibility for the leaked remarks, stating, "It's something that I didn't intend for public use... I've got to be better in that moment for understanding, look, I'm responsible for what I say, no matter the circumstance... I fell short in that moment. It stings for me, frankly."

He added that Payton was "great" when he reached out and that he has "respect the heck out of him and his program." Macdonald expressed confidence that both coaches are looking forward to moving past the incident.

Macdonald had explained in the Bensinger interview that Payton, then in his first season with Seattle, had learned the Seahawks had compiled approximately 100 plays from Denver's training camp that were available on social media. Macdonald recalled Payton reacting strongly, believing it was akin to a "Michigan thing where we had a plant and the whole thing." He stated that the Seahawks had to threaten legal action, asserting they had not cheated.

According to Macdonald, Payton initially threatened public disclosure similar to the NFL's "Spygate" scandal but eventually backed down. Macdonald also mentioned reaching out to Denver's general manager, John Schneider, to clarify the Seahawks' methods.

The two coaches later encountered each other in an elevator at the NFL combine in Indianapolis, where Macdonald described Payton as having "totally backed down."

Payton confirmed Wednesday that he had spoken with Schneider about the situation. "Obviously, I called shooting before I started looking. I could only do that with John because again, he's someone I'll have a beer with at the combine. I consider him a good friend," Payton said. When asked if there was anything to clarify, Payton responded, "Nothing to clarify."

Payton also reflected that the incident ultimately benefited the Broncos by prompting them to tighten their policies regarding fan-posted videos, stating, "It helped us, to some degree."

The Seahawks and Broncos are scheduled to play again on October 15 in Denver.