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.
-
Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers selected to play in 2025 Pro Bowl Games
Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby and TE Brock Bowers have been named to the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, the NFL announced Thursday.
Brock Bowers could be Offensive Rookie of the Year — in a different season
Poor timing might be the only thing standing between Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Raiders' Bowers breaks 2 NFL records, including Ditka's rookie tight end mark
Brock Bowers’ seven catches for 77 yards gave him 108 receptions for 1,144 yards in 16 games, eclipsing Mike Ditka’s rookie tight end mark of 1,067 yards and Puka Nacua’s 105 catches by a rookie.
Year in Review: 2024 remembered for change and disappointment for the Raiders
In the team's fifth season in Las Vegas, the Silver & Black saw an offseason of organizational change followed by one of the franchise's worst seasons in recent history.
