Irvin Demands Apology From Coach for Weird Rant

We have, in the wake of Sean Payton's strikingly weird sideline rant against his own quarterback that an explanation of some sort is due.

Denver Broncos followers and NFL fans are invested. This was a national TV moment during which the head coach ripped into Russell Wilson after a bad referee call that led to a loss against Detroit ... a goof-up that had nothing to do with Wilson.

When asked about the insane eruption, Payton arrogantly told reporters, “What I talk with Russell about is none of your business.''

That's wrong. And somebody (besides us!) needs to say it's wrong.

Enter Michael Irvin, who is demanding some answers, and a public apology from Payton.

Irvin, the former Dallas Cowboys star and Hall of Famer turned Fox Sports 1 personality, knows something about emotion. He excelled as a player in part because of it. He excels as a broadcaster in part because of it. But ...

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"This is a social media era," Irvin said, noting that Payton had to be aware that the TV cameras were drawn to his outlandish behavior. "Why would you stir that up like this?"

Why is Sean Payton yelling at Russell Wilson here? Russ was great on that drive. Payton is the one who didn’t throw challenge flag on what looked like a TD. pic.twitter.com/CN6nxb9xPR
— Andrew Perloff (@andrewperloff) December 17, 2023

In wanting the Broncos coach to apologize for his out-of-control sideline rant, Irvin mentioned something else of note ... and Payton - who formerly and famously coached Drew Brees when they teamed up with the New Orleans Saints - should know that Irvin represents a player's point of view here ...

"I've never seen you do that to Drew Brees,'' Irvin said pointedly. And you shouldn't do it here."