Cardinals' Dockett speaks about contract dispute

FLAGSTAFF - Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett, who missed the Cardinals’ voluntary offseason workouts because of unhappiness with their contracts, showed up as expected for the start of training camp.

Boldin did not speak to reporters.

But Dockett, after pulling up in a green Mercedes shortly after 6 p.m., issued his first public comments on his contract dispute.

He said he never considered a training camp boycott, saying his previous absence was “just business.”

“I’m here. This is what I’ve been looking forward to: continuing my career where I left off last year,” Dockett said.

“Right now, I’m here. I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help this team win.

“I’m excited to be here. I know my teammates are excited for me to be here.

“All my other issues are put to the side right now.

“It ain’t just about me. There are 60 other guys that depend on me to do a job to make them better.

“I’m even looking forward to making (offensive tackle) Levi Brown better in training camp. I’m going to get after him like no other.”

Dockett, more than Boldin, has been criticized for his stance because he has four years left on his current deal.

He didn’t directly answer questions about why he didn’t show for the voluntary workouts. But he pointed out he never went public to air grievances with the Cardinals’ management.

“My agent (Drew Rosenhaus) knows my situation,” Dockett said. “Right now, I’m here to better this team and finish where I left off.

“I just felt like it wasn’t meant for me to be here (during the voluntary workouts).

“Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to be here. I missed my teammates. But I had a great offseason,” working out on his own.

“I’ve been in the league for five years. I didn’t make it this far by just depending on somebody to get me right.”

Dockett, asked if he is bitter about the matter, replied, “No. For what? This is what I do.

“I play football. I let all of the other issues take care of themselves.”

“This is a great opportunity to be here. I’m healthy. There are a lot of good things to look at rather than being bitter about a contract.”