< Back to front page Text size – +

Welker responds to McGinest criticism

Print | Comments () Posted by Matt Pepin, Boston.com Staff April 25, 2012 03:17 PM

Tweet
E-mail

By Matt Pepin, Boston.com Staff

Patriots receiver Wes Welker responded to criticism from former Patriot and current NFL Network analyst Willie McGinest with a humorous tweet this afternoon.

"@williemcginest why did u ever leave the Pats and play for the Browns?" Welker wrote.

McGinest was critical of Welker after Welker hinted Tuesday that he might not participate in the Patriots' minicamp next month because he is seeking a long-term contract. The Patriots have placed the franchise tag on Welker for next season, meaning he will earn about $9.5 million in 2012.

"I don't like the diva attitude," McGinest said. "Prior to the Patriots, this is a guy who played three years, had 96 receptions, never had a thousand-yard season, so due to a big part of the Patriots offensive system and Tom Brady, he's had five years where he's had over a hundred catches ... a big part of that is due to the Patriots."

McGinest played for the Patriots from 1994 to 2005, and finished his career with the Cleveland Browns from 2006 to 2008.