Ex-Patriots have been thoroughly conditioned (or brainwashed, depending on how you look at it) by coach Bill Belichick to put team first over personal goals at all times. Given that, it was not surprising to hear NFL Network analyst Willie McGinest blast Wes Welker for saying he would probably not attend the team's mandatory minicamp in May unless he receives a long-term contract before then. “I just don’t like the diva attitude,†McGinest, who played in New England from 1994 to 2005, said on “NFL Total Access.†“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. …“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 (WR Anthony Gonzalez), they signed (WR Deion) Branch back, they got the two tight ends; they have weapons on that offense. So look, Wes, it’s time to take off the leopard-printed cowboy boots, get off the party tour and get back to work.†McGinest feels that Welker should just sign the franchise tender and be grateful for it. What McGinest doesn't acknowledge is that Welker is worth far more on the open market than the franchise tag offers. Welker is not being a diva for fighting for the best contract he can get given the short and tenuous career of an NFL player-he is just being smart. Source: The Redzone
I would call Welker the furthest from a "Diva." he's most likely working on his last significant deal...why risk it? It's a smart move.
