Las Vegas Raiders star Christian Wilkins was released from the team after he allegedly kissed a teammate on the head in the locker room, an incident that was reported to the team’s human resources department.

According to ESPN, the release was not solely attributed to the kissing incident. Criticism was also directed at how the defensive lineman handled his rehabilitation from an injury sustained last October.

Wilkins is in the process of recovering from a Jones fracture in his left foot. His recent release also canceled the remaining $35.2 million in guaranteed money on his contract.

The Raiders’ designation of a ‘terminated vested veteran’ allowed for the slashing of guaranteed money. 

Since his release, Wilkins has asked the NFL Players Association to file a grievance to retain the cash on his behalf, which it did last week. 

The kissing incident was described as ‘playful’ during a team meeting, with the smooched Raider not viewing it the same way. It is unclear which former teammate Wilkins gave a peck to.

The players’ response to being kissed on the head by Wilkins, outside of it being brought to human resources, is unknown. 

Last offseason, Wilkins signed a $110million deal, including $84.75million guaranteed with the Raiders.

Before his injury, Wilkins had 17 tackles, two sacks, and six quarterback hits. Now, Wilkins will hit the open market with plenty of suitors looking for defensive-line depth from a proven 29-year-old.  

The Raiders confirmed his departure in a statement, saying: ‘We have decided that it is in the best interests of the organization to move on from Christian Wilkins and he has been informed of his release from the team.

‘This franchise has a Commitment to Excellence on and off the field. 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.’

Earlier this year, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll spoke about Wilkins road back to full health. 

‘It’s been a difficult recovery and he’s done everything he needs to do,’ Carroll said about Wilkins in May. ‘He’s been here every day. He’s here early working hard. He’s not ready to get back out. We’re in the midst of a long, challenging process.’ 

The former Dolphins star was expected to bolster a defensive line led by pass rushers Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce after making a career-high nine sacks in 2023 with Miami to go with his elite run-stopping ability. All three linemen, however, suffered season-ending injuries. 

The Raiders, who are co-owned by Tom Brady, now have a massive hole to fill along their defensive line, lose Wilkins in a division that has Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert as rival quarterbacks. 

Wilkins has been in the NFL since 2019 after he was drafted in the first round by the Miami Dolphins. 

Before coming to the NFL, Wilkins was a standout defender for Clemson, winning two national titles with the Tigers. 

Wilkins was officially a free agent as of the afternoon when he was released, allowing teams to contact him without restriction.