Raiders veteran Adam Butler had some thoughtful words for Christian Wilkins after his recent release.
Butler, who played defensive tackle alongside Wilkins last season, went into an unexpected rant about the importance of mental health when asked about his former teammate while speaking to reporters on Tuesday.
“We’ve pretty much just kind of moved on from the situation,” Butler said. “I really don’t want to comment further on it. But I will say whatever you’re going through as a person, athlete, non-athlete, whoever, whatever your struggle is, if you got something going on in life, talk to somebody. Get some therapy, whatever your deal is, it’s your deal.
“Somebody out there in this world full of billions of people is willing to listen. They’re willing to listen, hear you out, and help you work through whatever you need to work through. Don’t make any hasty decisions. Get help.”
Wilkins was let go by the Raiders in a shocking move just one year into the five-year, $110 million contract he signed in 2024.
The team and Wilkins were reportedly at odds over how he was treating the rehab for the foot injury that cost him all but five games last season.
They also disagreed over whether to have surgery on the foot, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported.
The NFLPA filed a grievance on Wilkins’ behalf on Thursday over the decision.
On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the foot injury wasn’t the only reason the team decided to move on from Wilkins.
Wilkins was allegedly involved in an incident in which he playfully tried to kiss another teammate, according to multiple reports, and the unidentified player got offended.
“This franchise has a Commitment to Excellence on and off the field,” the Raiders said in a statement after Wilkins’ release. “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.”
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