Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler was asked about the situation regarding his former teammate Christian Wilkins, who was released by the Raiders on July 24.
The primary reason for Wilkins’ release was a disagreement with Las Vegas on how to handle his foot injury. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported that the veteran defender kissed a teammate on the head, and that teammate took offense.
Butler was asked about the controversy surrounding Wilkins, and the 31-year-old defensive lineman stated that everyone is moving on from the situation. He also used the time to advocate for mental health.
“We’ve pretty much moved on from the situation,” Butler said after the Raiders’ practice on Tuesday via Nick Walters of Channel 13 News Las Vegas. “I don’t want to comment further on it.”
“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, talk to somebody. Get therapy… Someone out there in this world full of millions of people will listen. Willing to listen, hear you out, and work through whatever you need to work through. Don’t make any hasty decisions. Get help.”
Butler’s message regarding mental health is incredibly important. Mental health is often overlooked, especially among athletes.
The Vanderbilt product is entering his eighth season in the league, and third with the Raiders. Butler started 16 games for Las Vegas last year, posting 65 tackles and five sacks.
Raiders’ players and coaches just want to move on from the Wilkins’ drama, but with the 29-year-old filing a grievance with the NFLPA due to Las Vegas trying to void the remaining $35 million of guarantees on his contract, the story is far from over.
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