Macdonald: Payton accused Seahawks of cheating using public clips — SkimNews
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- Mike Macdonald said the Broncos accused the Seahawks of spying on their practices using publicly posted training camp footage, calling it a 'Spygate-type' scandal.
- Sean Payton threatened to go public with the cheating allegation after learning Seattle had used Denver’s training camp clips, prompting a call to Seahawks GM John Schneider.
- Macdonald denied any wrongdoing, stating 'That's not how we do business,' and confirmed the Seahawks prepared to sue if Payton made false accusations.
- The Seahawks used approximately 100 plays from the Broncos’ public training camp footage posted on X, which Macdonald described as 'public knowledge' and fair game for scouting.
- Payton ultimately backed down and dropped the issue after the season ended, though Macdonald likened the standoff to 'the Cold War' with both sides threatening escalation.
Why it matters: The incident reveals how publicly shared practice footage has become a strategic battleground, with coaches like Payton viewing its use as unethical despite no rules being broken. Macdonald’s account shows teams are already adapting — Seattle now bans fan filming at camp — turning an informal norm into a competitive flashpoint.
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