Getting warmer.... (I think)

Can someone confirm that the Larry Fitzgerald-restraining order story is true? You know, this one. I don't mean to bring this up again, but Paola Boivin's article in the Arizona Republic about Anquan Boldin makes me start to think that the whole Fitzgerald thing is just something that I made up.

Super Bowl frenzy has arrived, which means the Cardinals season is officially available in high definition and double-digit megapixels. The smallest blemishes are magnified, a reality Anquan Boldin needs to take to heart.

[See what I mean?]

Former NFL safety Matt Bowen blogged on NationalFootballPost.com that "I've seen my 5-year-old nephew act better in times of adversity." The Miami Herald ran a story debating a Boldin trade and a YouTube video showing the wide receiver's shouting match with offensive coordinator Todd Haley in Sunday's NFC title game earned a five-star rating.

[Not a five-star rating on YouTube!?!]

The worst part? Many are slapping "diva" before Boldin's name, lumping him with the NFL's wide receiving Brat Pack. Terrell Owens, Plaxico Burress, Randy Moss. Really? Then show me the police files suggesting criminal behavior.

[.............. It's not just me, right?]

You can't, because Boldin is none of those things.... He's never embarrassed this organization off the field.

[(cough, like Fitzgerald, cough)]

His shouting match with Haley over his exclusion in a personnel grouping was ill-advised but not uncommon. That God-fearing quarterback himself, Kurt Warner, is often bickering with Haley....

[I wonder why it's cool when Warner does it? Hmmm....]

Yet, instead of talking about the accomplishments of this organization, coach Ken Whisenhunt was forced to answer questions Monday about Boldin's attitude.

[Fitzgerald must be *loving* this diversion. Everyone look over there at Anquan! Nothing to see here. No judicially mandated protection orders or anything! Hey, look how pouty Anquan looks!]

The Cardinals are a terrific story. I can't tell you the number of national media members who said they were grateful for the fresh story lines, impressed by the personalities in this locker room.

[Yeah, these guys get tired of covering star wide receivers with legal issues. Thanks for the *fresh* story lines (the ones we will choose to write about, that is).]]

"We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench a fist," President Barack Obama said in a message directed at dictatorial leaders of other nations. The sports world wants to extend a hand to Boldin, too. If only he would accept it.

[Seriously?? We are going to make *Boldin* the villain of the Cardinals' receiver corps, AND we are going to use Obama's "unclench a fist" sound byte to make the point??]