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NFL Star Claps Back After Appearing In Epstein Files

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Russell Wilson
Photo Credit: "Russell Wilson answers media questions at Super Bowl XLIX media day" by WEBN-TV is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/?ref=openverse.

Russell Wilson forcefully rejected any connection to Jeffrey Epstein after his name surfaced in a massive Justice Department email release that reignited scrutiny around powerful figures.

The New York Giants quarterback found himself dragged into headlines after an email chain referenced him in discussions involving Epstein’s private jet, prompting an immediate and emphatic denial.

Wilson took to X to shut down the claim, writing, “NOPE!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT! Not TODAY Satan!” before laying out his version of events in plain terms.

“Some Random plane broker tried to sell me a plane,” Wilson wrote, adding, “I had no idea whose plane and never bought the plane. Never talked nor never met the man.”

He punctuated the post with relief, closing the message with, “Thank God!!!”

Wilson’s name appeared in one of more than three million documents released last week by the Justice Department tied to the investigation of Epstein, a convicted human trafficker and child sex offender.

The mention came in correspondence between Epstein and his longtime personal pilot, Larry Visoski, centered on the possible sale of Epstein’s Gulfstream G-IV aircraft in 2019.

The emails outlined conversations about Wilson potentially purchasing the jet while he was still playing for the Seattle Seahawks, even though no deal was completed.

In one message, Visoski relayed what he described as Wilson’s concerns about timing and public perception surrounding a potential purchase.

“Here is the dilemma, according to Russell,” the email read. “Russell wants to sign a new contract with (the) Seattle SeaHawks before letting the media and his team know that he is Purchasing a Plane, he is concerned it will effect his contract negotiations for some reason??”

The message continued with logistical details, noting, “Russell is asking for a way to lock up the plane until his deal is signed, could be 2 weeks, or 2 months or more.”

Visoski also referenced a flight experience tied to the inquiry, writing that Wilson “took many photos and video during the flight, with his wife or girlfriend Ciara (she’s a fairly popular singer).”

The pilot appeared to seek Epstein’s advice on how to structure a potential deal, though the emails do not indicate any direct contact between Wilson and Epstein.

A representative for the Super Bowl champion backed Wilson’s denial, stating he “never purchased the aircraft, nor was he aware that any aircraft discussed by third parties had any connection to Epstein.”

Wilson’s response aimed to draw a firm line between casual third party chatter and any personal involvement, especially as public attention around the document release continues to intensify.

The quarterback was not the only figure tied to the Giants organization whose name appeared in the email trove, deepening the controversy.

Giants co-owner Steve Tisch was also identified in correspondence with Epstein, triggering questions about the scope of the relationship.

Several emails between Tisch and Epstein appeared to involve discussions about women, along with unrelated topics like business and entertainment.

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One exchange from April 2023 showed Tisch asking whether an unnamed woman was “pro or civilian,” with Epstein replying that his team had contacted her.

Epstein later added that the woman wanted to attend a play with Tisch but was “freaked by the age difference.”

Another email thread from June 2013 showed the two coordinating a possible meeting in New York.

Tisch’s family owns roughly 45 percent of the Giants, and he assumed control of the franchise in 2005 following his father’s earlier purchase of a majority stake.

As the emails resurfaced, Tisch released a public statement through the team addressing the relationship.

“We had a brief association where we exchanged emails about adult women, and in addition, we discussed movies, philanthropy and investments,” Tisch stated.

He added, “I did not take him up on any of his invitations and never went to his island. As we all know now, he was a terrible person and someone I deeply regret associating with.”

The NFL acknowledged the situation shortly after Tisch’s statement was released.

“The league is aware of the reports and Steve’s response,” the NFL said, adding that league officials would review the information to understand the facts.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the issue publicly during his pre-Super Bowl LX press conference.

“Absolutely, we are going to look at all the facts,” Goodell said while fielding questions about whether discipline could follow.

“We’re going to try to understand that and we’ll look at how that falls under the policy,” he continued. “I think we take one step at a time. Let’s get to facts first.”

When asked about the scale of the document release, Goodell noted the sheer volume involved.

“I don’t even know the status of all the releases,” he said. “I know that 3 million documents came out last week.”

He added that the league would remain open to further action depending on what emerges.

“We will continue to follow any of the facts that come up and we will determine whether we will open an investigation or not based on those facts,” Goodell said.

The commissioner also acknowledged broader reputational concerns tied to the Epstein scandal.

“Sure, but that’s why we have a personal conduct policy and that’s why we’ll look into the facts,” he said.

The press conference touched on unrelated league issues, including questions about halftime performer Bad Bunny and his recent anti-ICE remarks at the Grammys.

Goodell praised the artist’s stature while steering clear of the controversy.

“He understood the platform he was on,” Goodell said, calling Bad Bunny “one of the greatest artists in the world.”

The commissioner also addressed criticism surrounding coaching hires across the league.

“I believe diversity is good for us,” Goodell said when asked about the lack of Black head coaching hires, adding that the league still has “more work to do.”

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