HENDERSON (KTNV) — A teammate filed a complaint against defensive tackle Christian Wilkins after Wilkins kissed him on the head during a team meeting at Raiders headquarters, sources told Channel 13 Sports. The incident occurred days before Wilkins was released.
WATCH | Raiders teammate filed HR complaint against Wilkins before his release
The interaction was described by one person familiar with the situation as “playful,” but the teammate did not view it that way. The complaint was escalated to the Raiders’ human resources department which launched an internal investigation, sources confirmed.
While the Raiders have publicly cited Wilkins’ injury rehab as the reason for his release, a source with direct knowledge told Channel 13 this was not the only issue. “This wasn’t the first time something off the field raised eyebrows,” the source said, referencing prior concerns about Wilkins' conduct.
I reached out to Adam Butler’s agent on Saturday after hearing he was in the room when the incident happened. The team has not confirmed who the teammate was.
Wilkins was officially released Thursday. The team had already voided the guaranteed portion of his deal on June 4, citing his approach to recovering from a Jones fracture in his left foot. Sources said Wilkins declined an additional procedure the team believed was necessary. When asked about the back-and-forth, a source close to Wilkins said he “had his reasons.”
The NFL Players Association filed a grievance Thursday challenging the team’s decision to void the contract.
Head coach Pete Carroll addressed the situation on Tuesday but kept it brief: “We watched our way through the whole thing. We made a decision, and we’re moving forward.”
WATCH | 'This place is about competition': Raiders preach 'next man up' mentality after cutting prized DT
Defensive tackle Adam Butler added: “We’ve moved on from the situation. But whatever you're going through... just talk to somebody. Get some therapy. Somebody out there will hear you out.”
The Raiders did not attach an injury designation to Wilkins’ release, despite placing him on the physically unable to perform list when he reported to camp. That could signal the team is leaning more on the conduct-related incident to justify its decision.
Wilkins has not commented publicly.
-
Jeremy Chinn’s family connection drives his work with homeless community
Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn says his aunt’s experience with homelessness shaped a cause he has carried throughout his NFL career and into the Las Vegas community.
Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn’s family connection drives his work with Las Vegas homeless community
Chinn’s aunt experienced homelessness, inspiring the NFL veteran to focus on providing resources, confidence and care to people in need.
Raiders fans already buying into Mendoza after first Allegiant Stadium practice
Fernando Mendoza gave Raiders fans plenty to cheer about in his first practice at Allegiant Stadium, showing flashes of accuracy as excitement builds around the No. 1 overall pick.
Raiders fans already buying into Fernando Mendoza after first Allegiant Stadium practice
Fernando Mendoza gave Raiders fans plenty to cheer about in his first practice at Allegiant Stadium, showing flashes of accuracy as excitement builds around the No. 1 overall pick.
