Posted by Teddy Panos, Sun Staff

According to a sports wire story appearing in Tuesday's Lowell Sun, Willie McGinest is angry at the Patriots for allowing Junior Seau to wear number-55, the number McGinest wore for 12-years with New England and Seau has worn his entire 16-year career.

McGinest acknowledges he received phone calls from both Seau and Bill Belichick to ask permission. He agreed, but said he felt awkward doing so, feeling the Pats should have stepped in before it even got to that point. Says Big Willie;

“What if I had went to San Diego? I don’t even think that would have been an option for me to ask for 55. I think they would have said you know what, you’re a great player but we’ve got to put this number to the side because of Junior. And out of respect I wouldn’t have asked for that number.��?

Two thoughts here; One, if McGinest really had a problem, he should have said so at the time. I think Seau and Belichick showed a tremendous amount of respect even calling to ask permission for something they’re well within their right to do without asking.

Secondly, Willie’s dreaming if he wants to put himself on a level playing field with Seau. McGinest was a very good player for the Pats, and a key leader on and off the field. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and what he accomplished. That said, Seau is a Hall of Famer (Willie far from it). The situations are not equal.

I think the Patriots handled the situation just right. McGinest needs to move on and stop ripping his former team. I understand he’s bitter that a 12-year run ended the way it did. (Hey, I think the Pats should have paid him…he’s not breaking the bank in Cleveland) But it’s time to let it go, Willie. Constantly shooting your mouth off (this isn’t the first time he’s taken shots at his former employer) is only hurting your image.

If you’re listening (why wouldn’t he be? LOL!), I still love you. I appreciate all you did while here. I found you nothing but a class act. I wish you nothing but the best in Cleveland. So please move on and stop embarrassing yourself.

What do you think of the “controversy��? surrounding number 55? Much ado about nothing? A slap in the face to a loyal soldier? Or time for Willie to put a muzzle on it and focus on football?