NFL quarterback Russell Wilson forcefully denied any link to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein after his name surfaced in a newly released tranche of government documents. The quarterback’s response, posted on social media, made clear he rejects any implication of wrongdoing.
The appearance of Wilson’s name stems from a January 2019 email exchange uncovered in the massive Epstein Files, a collection of some 3.5 million pages of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
In the email, Epstein’s personal pilot, Larry Visoski, mentioned Wilson’s interest in purchasing a private Gulfstream G-IV jet that once belonged to Epstein. According to the messages, a broker had contacted Wilson about the aircraft, sparking the mention.
Wilson Issues Strong Denial
Wilson took to the social platform X on Feb. 1 to address the situation directly. He wrote, “NOPE!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT! Not TODAY satan!” and continued with a detailed rebuttal of any connection to Epstein.
“Some random plane broker tried to sell me a plane,” Wilson wrote. “I had no idea whose plane and never bought the plane. Never talked nor never met the man. Thank God!!!”
The 37-year-old athlete, currently quarterback for the New York Giants, emphasized that he never spoke with Epstein, met him or engaged in any business with him.
A representative for Wilson added to local media that the quarterback “never purchased the aircraft, nor was he aware that any aircraft discussed by third parties had any connection to Epstein.”
The latest tranche of documents released on Jan. 30 includes emails, reports and photos involving Epstein and a range of prominent figures. While Wilson’s mention derived from a business inquiry, the files also contain correspondence involving other high-profile individuals, none of whom face criminal charges tied to Epstein’s crimes.
The Department of Justice said the release fulfills requirements of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and stressed that inclusion in the files does not imply guilt.
Wilson’s email mention occurred while he was nearing a contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks in 2019. According to the pilot’s email, Wilson was eager to secure the deal, and sought a way to delay media exposure of the jet inquiry until after contract talks concluded.
Social media quickly amplified the reference to Wilson’s name, leading to speculation and discussion among fans and commentators. The quarterback’s swift denial aimed to quell misinformation and clarify his lack of connection to Epstein.
Legal experts point out that association with a document does not equate to involvement in criminal behavior, and that Wilson’s explanation aligns with general legal principles.