Boldin, Dockett hamstrung by selfishness

I'm sorry, but I can't go on with this column. My hamstrings are killing me.

Yeah, I know I'm under contract, and readers are depending on me. But every time I go to write an adverb, I feel a pop.

Silly? You bet.

Cardinals notes: Dansby late for minicamp

Point-Counterpoint: Which Cardinal should get an extension first?

But no less plausible than the reason wide receiver Anquan Boldin and defensive tackle Darnell Dockett gave the Cardinals for skipping minicamp Friday. In a wild coincidence, both Boldin and Dockett came down with hamstring problems just in time for practice.

That was news to the Cardinals, by the way. The first they learned of the injuries was when Boldin and Dockett took their physicals.

Of course, even if the players had been healthy, they couldn't have practiced. Their dogs ate their playbooks.

"We know what's going on," coach Ken Whisenhunt said.

Yes, the flotilla of warm feelings that carried the Cardinals to the Super Bowl has washed up on shore. Once again, it's all about the money. Boldin and Dockett want their existing contracts renegotiated and they're going to refuse to do their chores until they get what they want.

Here's what Boldin and Dockett don't understand: All they're doing is hurting themselves.

Why should the Cardinals be in a rush to renegotiate their contracts when the players put their own interests before the team's? Boldin and Dockett could have made a good-faith gesture by showing up for practice, which lasted just more than an hour. Instead, they came up with a medical excuse, which is a convenient way not only to miss the workout, but avoid getting fined.

"They weren't here? I didn't know that," Whisenhunt said with a sly smile.

With those few words, Whisenhunt was making a point. The Cardinals can play it cool. They have the leverage - and, for once - public opinion on their side. So they'll continue to praise the players and remind everyone of how important they are to the team.

But know this: The more Dockett and Boldin push, the harder the organization will push back. The Cardinals will not respond to holdouts or the guerilla tactics of agent Drew Rosenhaus, who represents both players.

If Boldin and Dockett believe otherwise, then they don't know their coach or the Bidwills very well.

Meanwhile, as Dockett and Boldin were off pouting in a corner - oh, I'm sorry, getting their hamstrings looked at - strong safety Adrian Wilson showed up for work.

Wilson, who will be a free agent after this season, wants a new contract as well and is just as deserving as Boldin. The difference: He has never let his agenda get in the way of the team's success. Reporters tried to goad Wilson into talking about his contract Friday, but he refused.

"I'm here to play football," he said. "I've always been like that."

That's why Wilson should be the first player to get his deal re-done. He's been here the longest. He plays hard every down. He's become a leader in the locker room and he's one of the top five safeties in the game.

He deserves to be rewarded, not only for his play but his professionalism.

Re-signing Wilson, 29, would accomplish two important objectives:

1) It would all but ensure the safety finishes his career in Arizona. No player was more deserving of the success and recognition that came the Cardinals way last season; it would be a shame if Wilson ever wore another uniform.

2) An important message would be sent to Dockett and Boldin. You want new deals? Fine. Come to work, wait your turn and you'll be rewarded.

"You just can't get to everybody every year," Warner said.

You'd think Boldin and Dockett would understand that, particularly in light of the fact they've already had their deals reworked once before.

But I guess it's hard to think clearly when you're so concerned about your hamstrings.