Bill Belichick’s management tactics reportedly are wearing on some of the New England Patriots’ most important players.
A source told Mike Giardi of NBC Sports Boston on Thursday that Belichick is making the Patriots’ “planet players” — i.e. quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski — “miserable.”
The source said this discontent is related to the Alex Guerrero situation — players now must visit Guerrero’s TB12 Center for treatment rather than receiving it inside Gillette Stadium — which has left marquee names like Brady and Gronkowski feeling underappreciated.
That report aligns with the main takeaway from the “Tom vs. Time” finale. In that, Brady’s wife, Gisele Bundchen, said the past two seasons have been “very challenging” for the QB, who just wants to “go to work and feel appreciated and have fun.”
Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston also reported earlier this month that Gronkowski felt “persecuted” and “singled out” and “didn’t enjoy himself” this season. According to Curran’s sources, Gronkowski considered retirement in training camp, though those feelings did not become public until Super Bowl Sunday.
Many viewed Gronkowski’s farewell message to Danny Amendola this week as a shot at the strict culture in New England, as he urged the wide receiver to “Be FREE” and “Be HAPPY” after signing his two-year, $12 million contract with the Miami Dolphins.
Though he has not confirmed his intentions publicly, Gronkowski does plan to play in 2018, according to multiple reports. Giardi’s source expects the All-Pro to secure a raise from the Patriots first.
