ATLANTA -- Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman brushed off a choking gesture made by New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton in the fourth quarter of Thursday night's game, a gesture apparently related to the Falcons' blowing a 28-3 lead in a Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots.
The exchange occurred with 12 minutes, 30 seconds left in regulation with the Saints' leading 17-10. It followed Freeman's run for no gain near the Saints' sideline.
Freeman, who grew up in the rugged Miami projects, addressed the topic after the game.