The New York Jets have released guard Kelechi Osemele, who has been engaged in an injury dispute with the organization, the team announced Saturday.
Osemele didn’t show up to the team facility Friday, and it was deemed an unexcused absence by the Jets, a source said.
Osemele had surgery in Boston on Friday — without the team’s authorization — to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder, according to his agent, Andrew Kessler.
Osemele, who had been listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, indicated Wednesday that he was planning to have the procedure whether or not he received authorization.
His agents told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday that the surgery went well, but damage to the shoulder was more extensive than anticipated. Osemele’s representatives and the NFLPA are now considering specific action against the Jets’ team doctors for violations of state medical board regulations.
The Jets continue to fine Osemele for conduct detrimental to the team. He said he’s being fined the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, which is $579,000 per week — the amount of his game checks.
Coach Adam Gase refused to comment Friday. No one from the organization has commented on the controversy, which exploded last Friday when Osemele revealed to reporters that he needed surgery.
The two sides agreed that Osemele had a torn labrum, but they disagreed on when he should have the surgery. The Jets believed he could play through the injury, a source said. Osemele said he was in too much pain and needed immediate surgery.
On Wednesday, Osemele posted on social media a note from his third-opinion doctor, stating he needed surgery to repair a posterior/inferior labral tear and remove a large cyst. The doctor, Glen Ross, performed the arthroscopy.
On Thursday, the NFL Players Association tweeted a statement expressing its support for Osemele and saying it will explore its options.
Osemele, one of the Jets’ big offseason acquisitions, started the first three games despite injuring the shoulder during a training camp practice. He said he needed Toradol injections, prescribed by the team, to play through the pain.
The Jets acquired Osemele in a March trade with the Oakland Raiders. His salary was $9.85 million this season, which became guaranteed when he made the opening-day roster. His 2020 salary ($11.35 million) was not guaranteed.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini contributed to this report.