Broncos insider alleges team owner procrastinating Sean Payton inaugural press conference to go golfing alongside Gareth Bale
Another February, another blockbuster trade and inaugural press conference for the Denver Broncos. Last year it was Russell Wilson, this year it was Sean Payton. However, with new ownership in town, things might be going a bit differently. At least, that is what Broncos insider Mike Klis has claimed.
Taking to Twitter, Klis revealed that the owner was playing in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am today. Klis alleged that the owner could be pushing back the head coaching reveal until Monday due to the event. One would argue that the move to hire the head coach is the first big hire of the new owner's tenure and as a result, he'd like to be in town when the big press conference happens.
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Here's how Klis put it:
"Broncos CEO Greg Penner is playing in Pebble Beach Pro-Am today, partnering with Chad Ramey. Who wouldn't push the press conference to Monday to play in the Pebble Beach Pro Am? Nuggest/Avs owner Josh Kroenke also playing in tourney matched with Davis Riley. #9sports"
The tweet has since been deleted by the insider for unknown reasons. In its place, Klis posted another message. Here's how he put it:
After Sean Payton hire, Broncos' CEO Greg Penner and Nuggets/Avs owner Josh Kroenke playing in Pebble Beach Pro Am. Penner paired with Chad Ramey; Kroenke with Davis Riley.
Although contract with Payton not done, it is viewed as formality and procedural at this point. #9sports
"After Sean Payton hire, Broncos' CEO Greg Penner and Nuggets/Avs owner Josh Kroenke playing in Pebble Beach Pro Am. Penner paired with Chad Ramey; Kroenke with Davis Riley. Although contract with Payton not done, it is viewed as formality and procedural at this point. #9sports"
Gareth Bale announced his retirement just roughly one week after New Year's Day. An avid fan of golf, one of the Welshman's first athletic events post-retirement will be playing at Pebble Beach.
Sean Payton draws quarterback-level money in reported salary agreement with Broncos
While the Broncos may or may not be procrastinating Sean Payton's reveal presser, the team hasn't taken any steps to short-change the expensive head coach. According to Klis via Pro Football Talk, the head coach is set to make between $17 million and $20 million per season for his work in Denver.
🏌️♂️Gareth Bale at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-AM. ⛳️
A legend in two sports. ⚽️ 🏌️♂️ https://t.co/2c8hhG1cwA
The salary is competitive with many starting quarterbacks in the NFL and even trounces former quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who drew about $6 million per season with the team. Case Keenum, arguably the most high-profile signing for the team in the post-Manning era aside from Russell Wilson, signed a deal worth $36 million over two years, which averages out to about $18 million, per Spotrac.