Las Vegas Raiders Release Christian Wilkins After Teammate Files Complaint Over Kiss

Christian Wilkins, a 29-year-old NFL veteran, was released from the Las Vegas Raiders following an incident during a team meeting in which he kissed a teammate on the head. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the gesture was described by Wilkins as “playful,” but the recipient took offense and filed a formal complaint with the team’s human resources department. The report was corroborated by multiple sports news outlets and has since become a point of public debate .

The Raiders announced Wilkins’ release and emphasized a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. While the organization did not cite the kiss as the sole reason for the termination, team sources indicated that Wilkins’ ongoing recovery from a significant foot injury—a Jones fracture—also played a role. According to NFL Media, Wilkins had refused a recommended additional procedure on his foot, leading the team to void $35.2 million in guaranteed money remaining on his contract. The official statement from the Raiders read: “With no clear path or plan for future return to play from Christian, this transaction is necessary for the entire organisation to move forward and prepare for the new season” .

Wilkins, who had signed a four-year, $110 million deal with the Raiders for the 2024 season, is reportedly filing a grievance with the NFL Players Association regarding his release and the termination of his contract .

While the Raiders have not commented on the broader implications of the incident, Wilkins’ release has reignited conversations about the culture of masculinity and boundaries in professional sports. The NFL has long been scrutinized for its handling of LGBTQ+ issues and inclusivity within locker rooms. The incident comes just three years after the Raiders released Carl Nassib, the league’s first openly gay active player, who had spoken publicly about the challenges and anxieties faced by LGBTQ+ athletes in the NFL .

Advocacy groups have highlighted the need for clear policies that protect all athletes from harassment while also ensuring that gestures of camaraderie—common in sports environments—are understood within context. The incident also underscores the importance of education around consent and respect, regardless of intent.

Reactions within the sports and LGBTQ+ communities have been mixed. Some view the Raiders’ response as necessary to uphold professional standards and personal boundaries. Others worry that such incidents could chill expressions of friendship or support among teammates, especially in a league with few openly LGBTQ+ players.

The NFL has not issued a statement on the matter, and the story continues to develop as Wilkins pursues his grievance. Meanwhile, the event has sparked renewed calls for the league to reaffirm its commitment to inclusion, respect, and the psychological safety of all players—regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.