MESA, Ariz. — All Anquan Boldin had to do was apologize.

Say he was sorry for getting in the face of offensive coordinator Todd Haley during the Cardinals' game-winning drive in the NFC championship game.

Express regret that he didn't stay on the field to celebrate with his teammates.

A simple, sincere repentance, and all would have been forgiven. This is Boldin we're talking about, not Terrell Owens.

But Boldin did none of that Thursday. Instead, he read straight from the manual of agent Drew Rosenhaus — who just happened to be his escort out of the stadium Sunday — and blamed the media.

"For me to get calls (from friends and family members) saying everybody is blowing it up and making a big deal out of it, it was funny to me," Boldin said. "It was a minute thing. People just took it and ran with it."

I'll agree with Boldin on one point: Arguing with a coach on the sideline is not a federal offense. It happens every Sunday in every NFL stadium, and it's been that way forever.

The only difference now is TV; there's no hiding from its roving eye.

I can even understand why he went after Haley: It drove him crazy that he wasn't in the game as the Cardinals marched down the field. His timing stunk, but his motive was pure; he thought he could help the team win.

"I want to be there. That's just the type of guy I am," he said.

OK. But here's what I don't get, Anquan: Once the game was over, once the Cardinals were NFC champs, why make a mad dash to the locker room? Surely, you couldn't still have been mad about not being used. You're going to the Super Bowl. Doesn't that eclipse any personal agendas?

"I didn't want this (the media mob) to be a distraction," Boldin said. "That's why I got out early."

Wait a minute: Boldin didn't want to be a distraction, so in the biggest, proudest moment in Arizona Cardinals' history, he made himself a story by leaving the field before the confetti had even landed?

Yeah, that makes sense.

As you might expect, Boldin's teammates and coaches had his back Thursday.

"I think it's an non-issue," safety Adrian Wilson said. "I think people are making a lot about nothing. This kind of stuff happens all the time."

"Nothing has changed since Monday," coach Ken Whisenhunt added. "I said it wasn't an issue. I said we have had things like that this year. It is part of football. Nothing has changed."

If Boldin's actions Sunday were completely out of character, they would be viewed as an isolated, unfortunate incident. He lost his temper. It happens.

But Boldin came to training camp unhappy about his contract, claiming the Cardinals lied to him. He vowed never to re-sign with team, and in September Rosenhaus said Boldin would welcome a trade to the Miami Dolphins.

Now, four months later, he's still not the smiling, jovial player that always was the heartbeat of the locker room.

I hope Boldin isn't being played like a pawn by Rosenhaus.

Just a few weeks ago, we were praising Boldin's courage and dedication for coming back so soon after breaking his face against the New York Jets. It would be a shame if Rosenhaus is now orchestrating his exit strategy, telling Boldin to distance himself and anger the organization so he'll be traded in the offseason.

"The guys in the locker room know what kind of guy I am," Boldin said.

Then show the rest of us, Anquan.

When you're at Super Bowl media day on Tuesday, and you're being pestered with question after question — no, the story won't go away by then — take the high road.

Apologize to Haley, your teammates and Cardinal fans.

You'll be amazed by how far a little contrition will go.