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.
-
Las Vegas Raiders introduce four new players as Maxx Crosby situation lingers
Four of the newest players to join the Raiders had the chance to introduce themselves to Las Vegas during a briefing Thursday morning.
Maxx Crosby commits to the Raiders following failed trade to the Ravens
Maxx Crosby expressed his commitment to the Las Vegas Raiders a day after the proposed trade that was supposed to send him to Baltimore was called off because he failed a physical.
‘Slimy’: Raider Nation reacts to Ravens backing out of Maxx Crosby trade
The Ravens backed out of a trade for Maxx Crosby after medical concerns surfaced during his physical. Fans say the move felt “slimy,” while many hope the All-Pro pass rusher remains in Las Vegas.
Raiders have a tough decision to make regarding Maxx Crosby's future now that trade was nixed
A deal isn’t a deal until it’s official
