Kelechi Osemele Reportedly Fined After Jets Rule Surgery an Unexcused Absence

The New York Jets fined Kelechi Osemele for an "unexcused absence" as the offensive lineman underwent surgery in Boston on Friday to repair a torn labrum, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. 

The team did not approve of the operation, as it believes Osmele could play through the injury.

Osemele initially injured his shoulder during training camp on Aug. 5, and he reaggravated the injury while attempting to make a tackle following an interception during Week 3.

He has not practiced or played since then.

On Wednesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that two separate doctors recommended surgery for the 6'5", 330-pound lineman:

Osemele himself took to Instagram to post a doctor's note, which saw Dr. Glen Ross recommend "right shoulder arthroscopy, labral repair and cyst debridement." 

Though the team's insurance provider approved the procedure, the team declined to do so. Osemele made it clear on Wednesday, per Mollie Walker of the New York Post, that he intended to undergo surgery Friday with or without the team's permission.

The surgery is expected to end his 2019 season.

New York previously fined Osemele for conduct deemed detrimental to the team as he refused to practice earlier this month. The two-time Pro Bowler has a base salary of $9.7 million this season, and Cimini noted the maximum the team can fine the lineman is $579,000 per week, which equals one game check.

The 30-year-old lineman noted that he is choosing to prioritize his health over money.

"I think they're doing the best to do the right thing," Osemele said, per USA Today's Andy Vasquez. "So now that they've done that it's really their decision whether or not they choose to authorize it or not, but I've got to take care of my body, I've got to take care of my health, I've got a family, so I've got to take care of myself."

The NFL Players Association expressed its support for the eighth-year veteran on Thursday:

Osemele is in his first season in New York after being acquired from the Oakland Raiders in March. He is under contract through the 2020 season, though his $11.2 million salary for next season is not guaranteed.