Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is out with his side of the story after a clip from a recent interview was made public, seemingly against his wishes.
In the viral clip, Macdonald told a story of Denver’s Sean Payton unleashing fury over Seattle’s use of fan-shot videos of training camp action to prepare for the teams’ Week 1 matchup in 2024. The Seahawks ultimately won the game by six points, and the dispute allegedly led to threats of legal action on both sides before Payton laid down his sword.
As the clip picked up steam online, Seahawks PR told Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio that the story was “more off than on” the record and that they weren’t aware it had been recorded.
Macdonald on Wednesday confirmed the same, telling reporters that he “didn’t intend” the story to be “for public use.” The coach added that there was “a certain type of understanding” between he and interviewer Graham Bensinger in that moment despite the presence of the hot mic, and also revealed that he has since apologized to Payton directly.
“It’s a lesson learned,” he said. “I gotta be better in that moment for understanding I’m responsible for what I say no matter the circumstance. Whether you’re mic’d up, you’re not … I fell short in that moment.”
It is not the first time Macdonald has shared a little too much in an interview. Earlier this year, the coach revealed a mystery confidante with a “conflict of interest” helped him and the Seahawks prepare to face New England in the Super Bowl.
The dispute has generated a conversation among journalists online as to whether Bensinger crossed a line. But between the rival coaches, all seems to be well.
Denver will host Seattle on Oct. 15 in a Thursday Night Football clash.
About Brendon Kleen
Brendon is an Editorial Lead at Awful Announcing overseeing digital content and special projects. He lives in Phoenix and has covered sports media for Awful Announcing since 2023.