National Football League

McGinest: Gronkowski needs a talk

Published Feb. 10, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Willie McGinest believes it's time for someone to step up and address Rob Gronkowski about his behavior.

"If there were things that needed to be addressed when I was there, I'd have a conversation with that player, or we had other leaders in the locker room who would talk to him," McGinest told the Boston Herald on Friday.

Well then, who should speak out and help straighten out Gronkowski, who was spotted once again this offseason dancing with his shirt off in Las Vegas?

"The only guy on that offense that could probably say anything is Tom (Brady)," McGinest said. "He has the years in. Or maybe Wes (Welker). It has to be guys (Gronkowski is) around all the time. … Someone who's been there for a while. But Tom might be the one. I'm sure someone will have a word with him."

Patriots fans would much rather see Gronkowski ditch his risky tactics and return to the field, considering how vital Gronk has been to the Patriots offense since he was drafted in 2010. He has scored at least 10 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons, including an NFL-record 17 touchdowns by a tight end back in 2011.