New York Jets

Report: Muhammad Wilkerson benched for skipping walkthrough, birthday celebration

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

New York Jets defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson were reportedly benched for the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins after skipping or arriving late to several team meetings and discussions, according to NFL Media's Mike Garafolo.

Wilkerson missed a walkthrough and a defensive meeting before the Jets faced the Baltimore Ravens on October 23. Several members of the team and coaching staff gathered with a birthday cake in the meeting since Wilkerson's birthday was a few days later but he did not show up.

Head coach Todd Bowles said that it was a coach's decision to bench them.

Wilkerson and Richardson left Sunday's game without talking to reporters.

On Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, Todd Bowles' waning patience ... and cake pic.twitter.com/bZCfPjZLFD— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 7, 2016

Wilkerson signed a five-year, $86 million contract with the Jets in the offseason.

The Jets dropped to 3–6 on the season with their 27–23 loss to the Dolphins.

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