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.
-
Fernando Mendoza’s Peach Bowl performance fuels Raiders draft buzz at No. 1
Fernando Mendoza’s five-touchdown Peach Bowl performance against Oregon strengthened his case as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Raiders fire head coach Pete Carroll after going 3-14 for the season
This announcement comes the day after the Las Vegas Raiders closed out their worst season since 2006 with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs, marking just the third win of the season.
Raiders upset Chiefs 14-12 in season finale
Raiders beat Chiefs 14-12 to end worst season since 2006. Daniel Carlson's 60-yard field goal seals upset victory as Las Vegas earns first overall draft pick.
Raheem Mostert turns personal loss into mission to raise melanoma awareness
Raheem Mostert is raising melanoma awareness after losing his childhood mentor. Mostert says a personal health scare changed his perspective — and now he’s urging others to prioritize early detection
