Cardinals dismiss Boldin's sideline antics

Jan 19, 2009 - 11:54 PM GLENDALE, Arizona (Ticker) -- The Arizona Cardinals have downplayed a sideline argument between wide receiver Anquan Boldin and offensive coordinator Todd Haley in the waning stages of Sunday's NFC championship game.

Boldin and Haley were seen yelling at each other during the final minutes of Arizona's 32-25 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

But on Monday, Cardinals players and coaches said such incidents are hardly atypical.

"It happens all the time, really," defensive tackle Bryan Robinson said. "(The media) is going to focus on the star players, but through the season, I had a couple of those altercations, but it's nothing. I'm sure it won't even be brought up when we're in our group."

Boldin, evidently unhappy with his limited late-game role, did not celebrate with his teammates following the historic victory.

The NFL's eighth-leading receiver this season, Boldin was used sparingly during the fourth-quarter touchdown drive that gave the Cardinals the lead for good at 32-25.

"It's an emotional game. Yesterday's game was one of the most emotional you'll play in," head coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "It was the conference championship. Those things happen. But what we have been able to do this year is move on and play. That's part of it.

"These guys are highly intense competitors. Our coaches are as well. I think that there is a fine line you walk but we've obviously been able to still succeed."

Arizona used only one wide receiver - Larry Fitzgerald - on nine of the game-clinching drive's 14 plays. At one point during the drive, television cameras caught Boldin in a heated sideline argument with Haley.

Boldin did not comment on the exchange after the game, while Haley referred to the interaction as a "heat of the moment" incident.

"We changed personnel groups out there, and I put Steve Breaston in for (Boldin)," Haley said. "He was upset about it."

Boldin was so upset that he almost immediately departed for the locker room when the on-field celebration began at University of Phoenix Stadium.

As the Cardinals entered the locker room to continue celebrating the franchise's first NFC title, Boldin was seen quietly leaving through a side exit.

However, quarterback Kurt Warner said he doesn't expect any lingering effects from the incident.

"I talk to him after the game, I texted him after the game too," Warner said. "I don't think there's any issue there but obviously if I think there is, then we'll definitely look into it. But I don't foresee anything being a problem."

A three-time Pro Bowler, Boldin has been one of the NFL's most productive receivers throughout his six-year career. But his relationship with the Cardinals has soured due to a recent contract dispute.

Boldin, 28, has openly lobbied for a new deal despite being under contract with the Cardinals through 2010. He has three years an $12 million remaining on the extension he signed after the 2005 season.

At one point last summer, Boldin requested to be traded after the Cardinals declined to re-negotiate his contract. Arizona gave Fitzgerald a four-year, $40 million extension last March.

Boldin had 89 catches for 1,038 yards and 11 touchdowns this season despite missing four games due to injuries. After being sidelined for last weekend's divisional round game due to a hamstring injury, he returned to the lineup Sunday but finished with just four catches for 34 yards.