Sean Payton apologizes after mistaking pencil for cigarette

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton apologized after mistaking a reporter’s pencil for a cigarette during a postgame press conference following Denver’s 26-21 win over the Carolina Panthers on November 8.

Payton interrupted the session to ask reporters not to smoke. He then realized Denver Post reporter Sean Keeler had a pencil in his mouth, not a cigarette, and apologized for the mistake. Video of the exchange shows Payton explaining that he thought he had seen someone smoking and saying he owed Keeler an apology.

Keeler later said on social media that he and Payton had laughed about the misunderstanding and that he had no hard feelings. He also said he has never smoked. That response was reported in one account; the press-conference video shows Payton’s mistaken identification and apology.

The exchange came after Denver improved to 7-2 with its fifth consecutive win. The Broncos entered their Week 10 bye after defeating Carolina, and were scheduled to host the Las Vegas Raiders after the break.

The game extended Denver’s run of wins in close contests. The Broncos had won 16 consecutive games decided by one score, a streak the team carried into the bye. The Carolina loss left the...