METAIRIE, La. -- New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said he was just having “good playoff fun” with some fans in Minnesota on Sunday when he turned toward the crowd and made the Vikings’ signature “Skol” clap gesture toward them.
Unfortunately for Payton, the Vikings wound up getting the last clap, as it were, when receiver Stefon Diggs broke loose for a stunning 61-yard game-winning touchdown on the final play of Minnesota’s 29-24 victory.
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, former Vikings linebacker and current KFAN radio analyst Ben Leber was the first one to report seeing Payton making the taunting gesture after New Orleans had taken a 24-23 lead with 25 seconds remaining.
At least one fan shared photos on Twitter (though the fan said he did not take the photos himself).
When Payton was asked about making the gesture Tuesday, he said, “Oh there was a few ... just a group of fans. It was good playoff fun.”
Payton’s animation and emotion on the sideline should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed the coach throughout his 12 years in New Orleans. Players and assistants have described him as “crazy” on game days. And earlier this year he apologized for making a choke gesture toward Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman.
