Drama surrounded the New England Patriots last season. Tom Brady's polarizing personal nutrition/fitness guru, Alex Guerrero, was banned from the team's sideline in December. Shortly after that, ESPN published an explosive report that detailed infighting between Brady, coach Bill Belichick, and owner Robert Kraft—much of which seemed to stem from Brady's close relationship with Guerrero.
Though Guerrero claimed he and Belichick high-fived when that story was published, it seems clear the Pats' leaders were not on the same page last season. (Not that it hindered their success much. New England still nearly won the Super Bowl.)
A new report from the Boston Herald states Belichick "chastised" tight end Rob Gronkowski in front of teammates for working with Guerrero.
"Gronkowski's quest for pliability may have even stirred up some of the reported friction between Bill Belichick and his star tight end," the report from Karen Guregian states. "At one point early last season, the Hoodie chastised Gronk in front of the players for being a TB12 client, according to a source. So maybe that was Belichick's not-so-subtle way of trying to keep everyone from jumping ship on the team’s training staff."
Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston added some context.
Source told me that, During camp, when Gronk was performing poorly, he was called out in front of team for being ineffective. Change in regimen was derisively referred to as the reason. This was big part of Gronk's irritation that lasted all year. https://t.co/xl9YzZqmf2
Given his 2017 production and mobility coming off back surgery, it's hard to argue that - for him - going with Guerrero wasn't the right choice. But the old-school/new school training philosophies were a flashpoint. https://t.co/0UttEcSHPD
Gronkowski has reportedly been mulling over his future and may even be considering retirement. Some have speculated he may go Hollywood, while others see a path for him in the WWE.
The 28-year-old tight end has been ravaged by injuries but remains one of the most valuable offensive weapons in the NFL. He eclipsed 1,000 yards for the fourth team last season and added eight touchdown catches.
