The Raiders just made a move no one saw coming. Star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, once hailed as the franchise’s biggest offseason signing, has been cut loose after a rollercoaster year marked by injury, contract drama, and now, a surprising locker room incident.
While the team cited “With no clear path or plan for future return to play from Christian, this transaction is necessary…” as the main reason in their official statement, it’s a behind-the-scenes moment that really caught the internet’s attention.
What happened? And how did a reportedly playful gesture become part of one of the offseason’s most talked-about NFL storylines that even has UFC cutman Brad Tate chiming in?
The longtime UFC cutman is known as much for his skill with bandages as his banter. And he recently shared an image on his Instagram account with a snippet of a news report that read, “Christian Wilkins, who was released by the Raiders on Thursday, kissed a teammate on the head – an action that reportedly offended the player, a source told @AdamSchefter. However sources noted that the incident was not the only factor in the team’s decision to release Wilkins.”
Tate captioned the post, “15 yard illegal touching. What do you expect he has been checking players oil for years.” The UFC cutman, a veteran of 18 years in the fight game, is no stranger to controversy or humor. His lighthearted take reflects a broader reaction among fans who aren’t sure what to make of the incident.
Chris Wilkins, 29, missed most of last season due to a Jones fracture in his foot, as per reports. Though he was still in attendance for OTAs (Organized Team Activities) this offseason, his recovery dragged on. The Raiders wanted surgery. Wilkins said no, seeking multiple opinions before deciding against it.
That refusal reportedly sparked tension with the team, which has since filed paperwork to void the $35.25 million left in guarantees from the four-year, $110 million extension Wilkins signed just a year ago. A grievance has been filed on Wilkins’ behalf to contest the move, as per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
The reported ‘kiss’ might not be the reason he’s gone, but in the age of viral moments and rapid headlines, it’s the one the internet won’t forget.
More details emerge about Christian Wilkins’ controversial ‘kiss’ exit from the Las Vegas Raiders
As shared in the image posted by Brad Tate, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the incident happened during a team meeting. Christian Wilkins, in what one source described as a “playful” gesture, kissed a fellow player on the head. But not everyone in the room saw it that way. The teammate reportedly took offense, and things escalated from there.
While the Raiders haven’t officially commented, reports say a complaint was filed with the team’s human resources department. That led to an internal investigation. Whether or not the gesture crossed a line, it added to an already tense situation involving Wilkins’ injury and contract status.
In a high-pressure environment like the NFL, even the smallest moments can take on larger meaning when trust is already fractured. For Wilkins, a man known for his high-energy personality, the incident may have been innocent. But for the Raiders, it became one more reason to call it quits.
But as the dust settles, one thing is clear: in today’s NFL, perception moves fast, and reputations shift even faster. Whether Christian Wilkins finds redemption on another roster remains to be seen. Yet, his exit from Las Vegas will be remembered not just for the dollars lost but for the kiss that turned into a controversy!
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