New York Jets offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele has been in a bizarre standoff with the New York Jets that looks poised to escalate now that he’s undergone surgery.
Osemele defied the team’s wishes by having surgery on an injured shoulder. He was diagnosed with a torn labrum, but the Jets have maintained he could simply play through it. Osemele felt otherwise and chose to go under the knife to alleviate the pain. Subsequently, the Jets have begun fining him for an “undisclosed absence.”
Now, things are getting worse. According to Osemele’s agent, damage to his shoulder was more severe than believed, and he and the NFLPA are considering action against the Jets’ team doctor for violations of State Medical Board Regulations.
Per Kelechi Osemele’s agents: Osemele’s surgery went well yesterday, but damage to shoulder was more extensive than anticipated. His representatives and NFLPA are now considering specific action against the Jets’ team doctor for violations of State Medical Board Regulations.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 26, 2019
If it’s true that Osemele has more extensive damage to his shoulder than previously believed, the Jets have a serious problem on their hands. Osemele has maintained all along that he has been upfront about his injury. He’s filed a grievance against the team and is doing what he feels he needs to do for his health based on outside recommendation. At this point, it does not reflect well on the Jets that they tried to block him from surgery and essentially told him to get over it and play through it.
