Anquan Boldin Dismisses NFC Championship Game Altercation

Emotions are a part of football. And the higher the stakes, the higher the emotions usually run. So it was somewhat unsurprising that Cardinals wideout Anquan Boldin became upset when he was removed from the field during the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.

However, the altercation, and Boldin's ensuing rapid exit from the stadium, did become a pretty large deal, generating media waves and plenty of questions about Boldin's relationship with offensive coordinator Todd Haley and coach Ken Wisenhunt. On Monday, Boldin popped into ESPN's NFL Live and dismissed the blow-up as a being a real issue.

"I was not given any explanation why I was taken out," Boldin said Monday, during an interview on ESPN's "NFL Live," when asked what led to the sideline confrontation. "Like any competitor I wanted to know why."

Asked if he had any issues with Haley, Boldin said, "Not a problem at all. I'm committed to this team ... one goal in mind ... to win the Super Bowl. That's why I came back early from the facial injury. You don't get this opportunity all the time."

Wisenhunt also described the altercation as a "normal thing that happens", which follows the apparent Arizona company line of: "Hey, man, it's all good. Brah." Or something like that.

The truth of the matter, though, is that Boldin's been unhappy in Arizona all season (he even threw out a "Next question" when asked if the Super Bowl altered his thoughts on re-signing with the Cards) because he's underpaid and whether or not he or Wisenhunt or Haley want it to be, this is going to be the second biggest story of Super Bowl week behind Wisenhunt squaring off against his old team.

Via PFT

NFC Championship Images

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell celebrates after the NFL NFC championship football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 32-25. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Matt York, AP

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on in the second quarter during the NFC championship game against the Arizona Cardinals on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Donovan McNabb

Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb fumbles as he is sacked by Arizona Cardinals defender Adrian Wilson in the third quarter in the NFL's NFC Championship football game in Glendale, Arizona, January 18, 2009. The ball was recovered by the Cardinals. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES) (Newscom TagID: rtrlthree218948) [Photo via Newscom]

Lucy Nicholson, Reuters

Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald reacts after catching a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during fourth quarter in the NFL's NFC Championship football game in Glendale, Arizona, January 18, 2009. REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES) (Newscom TagID: rtrlthree219025) [Photo via Newscom]

Mike Blake, Reuters

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 18: Running back Edgerrin James #32 of the Arizona Cardinals uses a stiff arm to get by Quintin Demps #39 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter during the NFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Edgerrin James;Quintin Demps

Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images

Philadelphia Eagles receiver Jason Avant (C) loses a second quarter pass on third down as Arizona Cardinals defenders Aaron Francisco (L), Ralph Brown (2nd-L) and Adrian Wilson (R) move in during the NFL's NFC Championship football game in Glendale, Arizona January 18, 2009. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith (UNITED STATES) (Newscom TagID: rtrlthree218860) [Photo via Newscom]

Robert Galbraith, Reuters

Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson (L) gathers a fourth quarter touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals defender Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (R) falls in the NFL's NFC Championship football game in Glendale, Arizona, January 18, 2009. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES) (Newscom TagID: rtrlthree218997) [Photo via Newscom]

Lucy Nicholson, Reuters

Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald reacts after his third touchdown reception in the second quarter of play as Philadelphia Eagles defender Sheldon Brown stands at right in the NFL's NFC Championship football game in Glendale, Arizona January 18, 2009. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (UNITED STATES) (Newscom TagID: rtrlthree218890) [Photo via Newscom]

Lucy Nicholson, Reuters

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie lies in the end zone after his team's win over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL's NFC Championship football game in Glendale, Arizona, January 18, 2009. The Cardinals will face the AFC champions in the Super Bowl in Tampa. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith (UNITED STATES) (Newscom TagID: rtrlthree219073) [Photo via Newscom]

Robert Galbraith, Reuters