Former Patriot Willie McGinest Bashes Wes Welker For 'Diva Attitude'

Standout wide receiver Wes Welker isn't happy with the New England Patriots -- slapped with the team's franchise tag and unable to work out an agreement on a long-term contract, Welker is in limbo, and now he's saying he's unlikely to attend the Pats' mandatory minicamp in June.

There's at least one former Patriot who has a problem with that. Willie McGinest, who played for the Pats from 1994 to 2005, isn't happy with Welker's behavior this offseason, and he let it be known today on the NFL Network.

"I just don’t like the diva attitude," McGinest said. "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. Let's just keep everything in perspective."

Welker originally signed with the Patriots in the summer of 2007; his initial contract was for five years, worth between $18 million and $21 million. The stakes are higher this time around; under the franchise tag, Welker's tender for 2012 alone is worth $9.5 million.

“This nine-million-plus dollars that they’re offering is half of his last contract," McGinest said. "That’s a lot of money. Let’s not forget that [the Patriots] signed Brandon Lloyd, they signed [Anthony] Gonzalez, they signed [Deion] Branch back, they got the two tight ends. They have weapons on that offense.