DENVER, CO - JANUARY 24: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots speaks to Rob Gronkowski #87 in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 24, 2016 in Denver, Colorado.

Report: Belichick chastised Gronk in 2017 for training at TB12

8 years ago
Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The apparent rift between four-time All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski and the New England Patriots reportedly dates back to the early stages of last season.

Related - Report: Gronkowski considering retirement, switch to acting

The issues could stem from head coach Bill Belichick chastising Gronkowski in front of other Patriots players for training with Tom Brady's personal trainer, Alex Guerrero, at TB12, a source told Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald.

The 28-year-old was also called out in front of teammates for performing poorly in last year's training camp, a source told Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston. The poor play was blamed on his change in training regimen.

After constant offseason speculation about whether he'd retire, Gronkowski is reportedly expected to return for 2018.

Related - Report: Belichick frustrated with Gronkowski despite expected return

His name even surfaced in trade rumors, though the deal sending wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams reportedly closed the door on any Gronkowski swap.

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