While doing a recent interview with Graham Bensinger, Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald revealed that two seasons ago, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton accused Macdonald of cheating by preparing for the Week 1 game using some footage of Denver's practice that fans had posted on social media. The reaction to Macdonald's words is just starting.
Initially, it was simply about what Payton had done. He had called Seattle general manager John Schneider to complain about what Macdonald had done, but, of course, the Seahawks coach had done nothing wrong. He and his staff were simply reviewing filmed practices, and literally anyone with a social media account had access to the same footage.
The storyline is beginning to change focus a bit now, though. According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, what Macdonald told Bensinger was supposed to be "off the record," at least in terms of the Payton discussion. Was it? Or was Florio simply suggesting that?
Reaction to Seattle Seahawks' Mike Macdonald reveal about Broncos' Sean Payton won't be going away
That is a real question to ask because Florio's wording in the rest of his article on Tuesday is questionable. He wrote, "On or off the record, others are befuddled by Macdonald’s decision to air gripes from two years ago. And there’s a question as to whether the various things Macdonald said to Bensinger (regarding Payton and others) are the product of arrogance or naiveté."
Florio's paragraph is unfair to all involved in the interview and the Seattle organization. For one, we don't know the context around what was being said about Payton. A reason might exist for Macdonald to say what he did.
Secondly, Florio implying that Macdonald could have just been "arrogant" in talking about the situation is just silly. Anyone who has been around the head coach or heard him speak knows that "arrogance" is the completely wrong word to describe Macdonald.
Using "naiveté" isn't correct, either. That implies Mike Macdonald isn't aware that his words and actions could impact others, which, again, anyone who has been around the coach or understands how he goes about his business knows isn't the case.
Florio also said Macdonald was airing gripes from two years ago. One might wonder if Florio actually watched the social media video of Macdonald talking to Bensinger. There was zero malice or anger from Macdonald. Writing "gripe" isn't correct.
Ultimately, Mike Florio's article could just be the start of many in the same vein. Sean Payton will look poor initially for what Macdonald said happened, and then a secondary reaction will take place, pushing back on the Seattle Seahawks' head coach for saying anything at all.
What is certain is that the Seahawks and Broncos play in Week 6, so the game is a month away. The story about what Mike Macdonald said won't be fading away and will likely only grow in volume before the teams meet on Thursday Night Football. After that, maybe all involved can move on with their regular lives.
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