Golden Tate denies affair with Russell Wilson’s ex-wife, being punched by Percy Harvin

The Lions wideout addressed several social media rumors in an open letter to fans.

Jan 16, 2015, 8:23 PM UTC

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Golden Tate is tired of hearing his name pop up in social media rumors, to the point that he felt compelled to address them in an open letter to NFL fans. In the letter, which was published Friday on The Cauldron, the Detroit Lions wide receiver shot down reports of an affair with Russell Wilson's ex-wife and a rumor that he was punched in the face by Percy Harvin.

"I did not have an affair with Russell Wilson's wife, nor did I have anything to do with his divorce," wrote Tate, who played with Wilson in Seattle before moving to Detroit as a free agent last offseason. "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."

He then tackled the rumor that Harvin, another former teammate in Seattle, gave him a black eye during a fight in the lead-up to the 2014 Super Bowl.

“To set the record straight, I was not punched by Percy during Super Bowl week last year, nor did I have a black eye, as was speculated on by various Internet reports,” Tate claimed. “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. I highly respect his level of play. He’s one of the best in the game!”

Earlier Denial

Tate calls rumor of Harvin punch a lie

Tate also took the time to explain his decision to leave Seattle. Though he admits money played a role, he writes that he was also drawn by a desire play along Calvin Johnson -- who he refers to as "the best wide receiver in the league" -- as well as help the struggling Detroit community.

See More: