Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler provided a cryptic response on Tuesday amid claims that his ex-teammate Christian Wilkins was cut following a bizarre act.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Wilkins’ release came after he offended a teammate by kissing him on the head.
That incident was reportedly not the sole reason that Jones was released, as the 29-year-old – who signed a $110million deal ($84.75million guaranteed) with the team last offseason – is also recovering from a Jones fracture in his left foot.
The Athletic’s Tashan Reed also reported last week that Wilkins ‘raised questions about his commitment’ after declining to undergo a second procedure on his foot as the team wished.
Nonetheless, Butler was asked on Tuesday about the situation surrounding Wilkins and – after initially saying the team has ‘moved on from the situation’ – he spoke at length about mental health.
‘Whatever you’re going through as a person – athlete, non-athlete – whatever your struggle is, you got something going on in life, talk to somebody. Get some therapy, whatever your deal is, is your deal,’ he answered a question from KTNV’s Nick Walters.
Raiders star Christian Wilkins was cut by the team after he reportedly kissed a teammate
Adam Butler (left) spoke about mental health on Tuesday when asked about the release of Wilkins (right)
‘Someone out there in this world full of millions of people is willing to listen. Willing to listen hear you out, and work through whatever you need to work through. Don’t make any hasty decisions. Get help.’
While a source described Wilkins’ kiss of a teammate as ‘playful’ to ESPN, the unnamed teammate evidently didn’t see it that way.
A complaint was ultimately filed up to the team’s human resources department.
The release of Wilkins also voided the $35.2million left of guaranteed money on Wilkins contract.
The Raiders’ designation of a ‘terminated vested veteran’ allowed for the slashing of guaranteed money.
However, Wilkins has asked the NFL Players Association to file a grievance to retain the cash on his behalf, which it did last week.
The Raiders said it was in ‘the best interests of the organization to move on from Christian Wilkins’ as they announced his departure.
‘This franchise has a Commitment to Excellence on and off the field,’ they continued. ‘With no clear path or plan for future return to play from Christian, this transaction is necessary for the entire organization to move forward and prepare for the new season.’
In five games before getting hurt last season, Wilkins totaled two sacks and two tackles for loss.
The former first-round pick spent the first five years of his career with the Dolphins, where he racked up 20.5 sacks and 43 tackles for loss in 81 games.
