The Sports Xchange

The reason veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne was released by the New England Patriots is starting to become clear.

Head coach Bill Belichick was vague when first asked why Wayne was released after just 12 days with the team.

But according to former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak, who is now a radio analyst for Patriots games, Wayne requested his release because he did not like the work environment.

Wayne wanted to be released because he thought the Patriots’ “work environment was too tough” and playing for the Patriots was “not fun,” according to Zolak via CBSSports.com.

Wayne, 36, signed with the Patriots on Aug. 24 and played in two preseason games before being cut on Saturday. Wayne had just two receptions for 24 yards in the preseason.

Belichick later released a statement after Wayne was released, which said: “Obviously, Reggie’s time here was brief, but it only confirmed what I already thought — he is a true professional who represents every positive attribute a player should emulate. Our parting was mutually agreed upon and I am personally grateful to have worked with one of the great NFL players of the past two decades.”

It is unclear whether Wayne will try to sign with another club or retire.

Wayne, who tore his ACL two years ago, had 64 catches for 779 yards last season for the Indianapolis Colts. He became a free agent after last season, and the Colts opted not to re-sign him.