“You don’t know me.”
And so begins Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate’s essay on Medium’s “The Cauldron” site, a piece that argues what you might think you know about pro athletes oftentimes is wrong.
That includes, Tate says, the rumors that spread about him and an affair with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson’s ex-wife which eventually led to their divorce.
“I did not have an affair with Russell Wilson’s wife, nor did I have anything to do with his divorce,” Tate wrote. “That is laughable for anyone who knows us. His ex-wife, Ashton, is still best friends with my girlfriend.
“Russell and I were good friends when I was in Seattle, on and off the field — he knows the rumors about me were unfounded, damaging to my reputation, and an attack on my character. Anyone who circulated that rumor was just plain irresponsible.”
Tate also denies the rumors that he was punched by fellow wide receiver Percy Harvin during his final season with the Seahawks in 2013 leading up to their Super Bowl win over the Denver Broncos.
In fact, Tate said he didn’t even have a black eye.
“I even saw a photo of my face that was photoshopped with a mark on it! Percy and I did have a confrontation, yes, but no punches were thrown, and it certainly never rose to the level that was erroneously reported by certain outlets,” Tate wrote. “I highly respect his level of play. He’s one of the best in the game!
“These false rumors served to open my eyes and sensitize me to what I read or hear in the media, not only about me, but others, too.”
Harvin, who was traded to the New York Jets this past season, admitted in October to an incident with Tate, but didn’t elaborate.
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SOURCE: Brian Manzullo
Detroit Free Press
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