Kelechi Osemele didn’t back down, undergoing surgery on his right shoulder Friday despite the Jets’ objections, his agent Andrew Kessler told The Post.
The offensive guard, acquired in a trade with the Raiders in the offseason, said on Wednesday three different doctors believed he needed surgery for a torn labrum. But the Jets didn’t approve it, thinking he could play through the injury until after the season.
The Jets began fining him last week for conduct detrimental to the team after he refused to practice. His absence from the facility on Friday was termed “unexcused,” even though his representatives told the Jets he was having the surgery, which Kessler said was performed by Dr. Glen Ross in Boston. Osemele has filed a grievance against the Jets in response to the fines.
The NFL Players Association released a statement Thursday in support of Osemele, saying “it is not appropriate or ethical for employers in any line of work to dictate the medical care and treatment of any employee. We are considering all options to protect Kelechi Osemele, as we would for any of our members.”
Coach Adam Gase declined to comment on the matter. General manager Joe Douglas has not been made available to the media to discuss the situation. Despite undergoing surgery, Osemele was listed by the Jets as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Jaguars.
