Despite the fact that the Arizona Cardinals are headed to the Super Bowl for the first time in their incredibly long history (they're actually the oldest continuously owned franchise in the NFL), all is not well in the desert. And that's primarily because one of the key weapons for the team, Anquan Boldin, suddenly doesn't seem so chipper. In fact, he didn't even celebrate the Cardinals NFC Championship victory.Boldin, who had four catches for 34 yards while All-Pro teammate Larry Fitzgerald caught nine balls for 152 yards and three touchdowns, sprinted out the back door of Arizona's locker room before some of his elated teammates had made it off the confetti-strewn field from the Halas Trophy presentation.
This, of course, came after Boldin was seen in a shouting match on the sideline with Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley during the Cardinals game winning drive.
CBS Sports writer Mike Freeman thought so highly of Boldin's actions that he penned a quick article entitled "Anquan Boldin is a jackass." Here's a snippet:
He tried to ruin the Super Bowl celebration with his childishness.
In the game, Boldin got into a heated argument with offensive coordinator Todd Haley. After the game, instead of celebrating with his team, Boldin abruptly left the field, then abruptly left the locker room.
It was awful behavior.
[...]
I have to say in nearly 20 years of doing this, I've never seen a player more concerned about his arguing with a coach over making a Super Bowl.
In the game, Boldin got into a heated argument with offensive coordinator Todd Haley. After the game, instead of celebrating with his team, Boldin abruptly left the field, then abruptly left the locker room.
It was awful behavior.
[...]
I have to say in nearly 20 years of doing this, I've never seen a player more concerned about his arguing with a coach over making a Super Bowl.
Boldin, as you may know, began the season unhappy that the Cardinals had not renegotiated his contract. He then asked for a trade and said publicly he no longer was on speaking terms with head coach Ken Whisenhunt. I'm not sure what set him off during the championship game, but it sure didn't look good.
A few media members managed to quickly speak to Boldin before he disappeared, and one asked if he planned to staying with the Cardinals. His answer:
Next question.
I think it's safe to say that Boldin won't be back in a Cards uniform next season. But now the bigger concern is what will his attitude be like for the Super Bowl? I mean, if a guy is screaming at his offensive coordinator during a come from behind drive in the NFC Championship, you have to wonder where his head will be in the Super Bowl. It's also critical because, let's be honest, the Cardinals will need everything from Boldin to stand any chance of beating the Steelers.
This incident may also come back to haunt Boldin in the long run as well. I mean, how many people want a receiver on their squad that puts themselves ahead of their own team reaching the Super Bowl? I mean aside from the Cowboys, of course.
Boldin bolts while Cardinals celebrate [SF Gate]
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