Christian Wilkins, the veteran defensive lineman who was released by the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, faces additional scrutiny following a reported incident where he kissed a teammate on the forehead, leading to an HR complaint. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the incident occurred in a team meeting room last week, with the source describing it as “playful.” However, the teammate in question did not view Wilkins’ interaction that way, prompting a complaint to the Raiders’ human resources department.
The report also highlights that Wilkins’ incident with the teammate did not solely contribute to him being cut from the Raiders. The Raiders reportedly voided the remaining $35.2 million left in guaranteed money on Wilkins’ contract due to how he treated his rehab assignment following a Jones fracture in his left foot, which he suffered in October 2024. Wilkins, who signed a four-year, $110 million deal with the Raiders in free agency last year, was released with the designation of terminated vested veteran, per Schefter.
Wilkins has asked the NFL Players Association to file a grievance on his behalf due to the Raiders’ intent to void his guaranteed money. The NFL Players Association did so on Thursday, adding another layer to the controversy. Wilkins, who was one of the league’s best defensive tackles with the Miami Dolphins, including a career-high nine-sack season in 2023, saw his career in Las Vegas cut short by the injury.
While the team’s decision to void a significant portion of his contract is primarily attributed to his rehab management, the HR complaint adds a personal dimension to the situation. The Raiders’ move has sparked discussions about the intersection of on-field performance, off-field conduct, and financial commitments in professional sports.