Willie McGinest Blasts Wes Welker, Says He Doesn’t Like Receiver’s ‘Diva Attitude’

by

Apr 25, 2012

The Patriots are generally recognized as a tight-knit franchise. But once a player moves on to become a member of the media, look out!

Former Patriots linebacker/defensive end Willie McGinest, now an NFL Network analyst, on Tuesday voiced his displeasure about wide receiver Wes Welker potentially skipping New England's mandatory workout.

"I just don't like his diva attitude," McGinest said of Welker.

Welker is currently seeking a long-term contract with the Patriots after the team placed the franchise tag on him earlier this offseason, but the receiver said on ESPN's SportsCenter on Tuesday that contract talks are on hold. While Welker attributes the standstill to Bill Belichick and the Patriots' focus being on Thursday's NFL draft, he did tell ESPN Radio Boston that he's "probably not going to" attend the Patriots' mandatory workouts, which kick off on June 12.

McGinest isn't buying any of what Welker's saying, though, instead looking to "keep it real."

"Let's keep it real. Prior to the Patriots, this is a guy who played three years, had 96 receptions, never had a 1,000-yard season," McGinest said. "So due to a big part of the Patriots system and Tom Brady, he's had five years where he's had over 100 catches.

"This $9 million-plus that they're offering is half of his last contract. That's a lot of money. Let's not forget that they signed Brandon Lloyd, they signed [Anthony Gonzalez], they signed [Deion] Branch back, they got the two tight ends, they have weapons on that offense," McGinest continued. "So, look, Wes, it's time to take off the leopard-printed cowboy boots, get off the party tour and get back to work."

Welker's actually had four 100-catch seasons, but point taken. Still, it's hard to rip a guy for seeking the money he deserves, especially when you bring his wardrobe into the conversation (are these the boots he's talking about?).

According to Big Willie, though, skipping workouts simply doesn't happen when you have a Flying Elvis on the side of your helmet.

"Of my 12 years, of my tenure in New England, no matter how big you were or who you were, nobody said they weren't coming to a mandatory minicamp," McGinest said. "If you know anything about New England, understand that you're expendable. Unless you're Bill Belichick or Tom Brady, you're expendable."

Well at least Bill and Tom are safe from Willie's wrath.

Photo of the Day

Is that denim?

Willie McGinest Blasts Wes Welker, Says He Doesn't Like Receiver's 'Diva Attitude'

Quote of the Day

"New York Giants just won a championship yet I'm still the third most-talked-about quarterback in my own city."
–Eli Manning, stating the facts

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Party at John's house!

Willie McGinest Blasts Wes Welker, Says He Doesn't Like Receiver's 'Diva Attitude'

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This will give you the goosies. Bring it tonight, B's fans!

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