Selfish Boldin Bolts Cardinals Title Celebration!

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by Digger

Here we go again. The stage is set for another potential Super Bowl distraction. For those of you who missed it, during the Cardinals first ever NFC Championship victory, WR Anquan Boldin instigated a heated shouting exchange with Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley.

(Video clip)

The timing of Boldin's selfish outburst couldn't have been much worse. Trailing Philadelphia 25-24, Arizona was in a do or die situation trying to move downfield. Boldin was called to the sidelines as Haley changed offensive packages. Boldin could be seen screaming his head off as Haley was calling a play. Haley finally responded as Cardinals teammates pulled Boldin away.
It was a selfish stunt by a veteran player who should've known better. Arizona history on the line, advancing to the Super Bowl, needing to score or the season is over, ending a franchise 61 year championship drought, etc... and one player nearly wrecked it all.

Boldin then takes his selfish attitude one step further. Arizona won 32-25 and now faces Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLIII. Arizona's first ever SB appearance. First ever NFC Championship Game. What does this guy do after a great come from behind victory? He ran off, packed up his gear and left the stadium! Wow! NFC Championship Trophy presentation? Dissed. Saluting faithful fans? Dissed. Let bygones be bygones? Dissed. Most importantly in my eyes... he dissed every singled teammate by not celebrating with them. Stay mad at your coach, big deal. But, to create such drama by storming out of the stadium like a child stomping his feet looking for attention was a bad move.

Boldin is a top notch receiver on the field. He was one of three Cardinals WR's to surpass 1,000 yards receiving. He's played hard for many losing Cards teams. He fulfilled a dream... his team is going to the Super Bowl. Too bad for him this experience will forever be tarnished as opposed to relishing something special.

Every so often leading up to Super Bowl Sunday a team has player distractions or disciplinary problems. Often times it stems from too much partying before the big game or other notable troubles:

Eugene Robinson (Atlanta, 1998) - On the eve of XXXIII All Pro Cornerback arrested for soliciting a prostitute, spend a few late night hours in jail, got burned early (80 yard TD) and often as Atlanta (14-2) lost to Denver.

Stanley Wilson (Cincinnati, 1988) - Fullback found zonked out on cocaine in hotel room eve of XXIII, missed game, contributed to loss, banned for life by way of NFL 3 strike substance abuse rule.

Jeremy Shockey (Giants, 2007) - Injured before Playoffs but due to poor team attitude was asked to stay away from sidelines during games including Giants XLII victory. Skipped many team celebrations and White House visit. Traded to Saints before '08 season.

Thurman Thomas (Buffalo, 1992) - Misplaced helmet before XXVI causing a mini-drama sideline distraction. He missed the first few plays of the game and was horrible when he finally strapped on a new one. Heart was never in it before being benched. Thomas had three miserable Super Bowl games for Buffalo (all losses). Distraction before a couple of games was "is the real Thurman Thomas going to show up". Nope. Total letdown.

Arizona newspapers have quoted Cards players stating Boldin's sideline tantrum will not become a distraction. The simple fact players are now answering questions of this incident, replays posted on the internet, re-run on sports highlight reels nationwide... only confirms it's at least a minor distraction for now. Barring any further gripes this will be put to rest as the Cardinals practice their game plan. Question is, how much of their initial scheme includes Boldin and will he act out during practices?

The is the big game. Boldin is needed vs NFL's best big game defense (Pittsburgh). Throw every weapon you have and worry about discipline afterwards. In all likelihood Anquan and Arizona will part ways before next season. Cards coaches, front office, ownership and players will continue to downplay this experience, as they probably should. Focus is squarely aimed on mission at hand, winning Super Bowl XLIII in what will be Boldin's last game in red.