Raiders tiptoe around release of Christian Wilkins

Raiders coach Pete Carroll refused to comment on the reported human relations complaint that led to the team releasing $100 million defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

Carroll said Tuesday he had nothing to add on the matter beyond his July 25 comment that the Raiders saw "no clear path to his return."

"Really I don't. I have no comment to make," Carroll said. "We made a decision on what we're doing and we're moving with it. We'll see how that all unveils itself over time."

Wilkins signed with the Raiders in March 2024 but was released earlier this week. ESPN reported Wilkins attempted to kiss a teammate on top of the head in the locker room and the action was not appreciated. The Raiders have not confirmed the report nor the effort to void the final $35.2 million in guarantees remaining on the deal.

The team claimed it discussed a second surgical procedure with Wilkins, NFL Network reported, and he didn't fully comply.

Wilkins filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association in an attempt to recoup the guaranteed money, according to multiple reports.

Wilkins hasn't played in a game since October, when he was placed on season-ending injured reserve. He signed a four-year, $110 million contract as an unrestricted free agent and at his energetic introductory press conference, described himself as a character and "sick, twisted individual up here."

With no clarification from Raiders' decision-makers, teammates have been left to try to tiptoe around what has become an increasingly murky situation.

"We pretty much kind of moved on from the situation. I really don't want to comment further on it," defensive tackle Adam Butler said.

"But I will say, whatever you're going through as a person -- athlete, non-athlete -- whatever your struggle is, you got something going on in life, just talk to somebody. Get some therapy. Whatever your deal is, is your deal. Somebody 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. But don't make any hasty decisions. Get help."

--Field Level Media