FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

March 24th, 2009 9:07pm PST

[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle

Talkin Sum Football

Athlete or Primadonna?

So when did NFL players become bigger than the game they play? In their own minds do they actually believe they can make and break all the rules? Sure we have seen it in the past, but where or when does it end?

.

When the Arizona Cardinal's season came to a conclusion following their loss in the 43rd Super bowl, wide receiver Anquan Boldin did not waste much time making it known his discontent with the team and desire to move on. Boldin's unhappiness has become a concern that the team will have to deal with this offseason. A few weeks ago it sounded very much like Boldin wanted out and that the Cards may have to deal, but since that time things in the desert seemed to have cooled.
.
These days in the Mile High Country the Broncos are not so lucky and now find themselves in a similar situation with quarterback Jay Cutler requesting a trade. Unlike the Boldin situation, the Broncos will have a difficult time trying to move forward without Cutler on board and may infact have to make a move. Cutler does not appear to have any interest in finding harmony with his new head coach and right now there is nothing but turmoil in Dove Valley.
.

When you look at today's athlete and consider who the biggest primadonnas are, you can't go too far without including Terrell Owens in the conversation. While it wasn't completely apparent, according to some T.O. held the Cowboys locker room hostage until the team freed itself of the huge distraction. Now in Buffalo, could T.O. be on his way to tearing that locker room apart? Monday being the first day of voluntary workouts for the Bills, T.O. was not present. Is this a sign of things to come?

.

There certainly are quite of few more that fit this build of the modern day athlete, Chad Johnson in Cincinnati has had his share of antics. Let’s not forget Jeremy Shockey who has a clause written in his contract that won't allow him to play with any pain. Okay, maybe not, but he's either one of the unluckiest players or one that can walk four feet without falling in a pot-hole. Even an icon like Brett Favre can’t escape the spell of ego-itis, but in his case there may be some merit.
.

There's seems to be a common theme and a few similarities with a few of these characters, each player believes they are in the position to call the shots and have a sports agent that is no stranger to controversy. The infamous Drew Rosenhaus handles both Owens and Boldin, while Cutler is handled by sports agent Bus Cook. Cook is the same agent that handled Brett Favre throughout his entire un-retirement and trade to the New York Jets.

(Photo by Chris Park / AP)

(Photo by Newscom)

(AP Photo)

When did football become such a soap opera, T.O. was just released by one club and seemingly on his last leg in the NFL, but doesn't feel he needs to work hard at building new team chemistry. Cutler, at one point the subject of possible trade discussion now refuses like a four year old might refuse to eat his vegetables, to part-take in any conversations with his new head coach. While all seems to be quiet in the Arizona desert, Boldin has not offered any indication that his stance has changed.

(Photo by Mike Thomas /AP)

Are they superstar athletes or spoiled brats? Either way, these guys are hardly exhibiting any sense of team loyalty and professionalism, but should they? T.O. has moved on to Buffalo, another stop or last chance? The jury is still out on Boldin, although on the whisper there are those that continue to believe he'll be traded. And the Cutler situation just seems to going from bad to ugly and worse, despite all the coaches’ antics to refute the latter.

.

When it comes right down to it, why can't these boys just play ball? When did they become bigger than life? These well-mannered super talents are not likely to be the lone band of showman fighting for their cause, but rather the first to make the headlines as the mandatory mini-camps approach. Is it about money, prestige, or saving face, for some of today's athletes who can tell?
.

For players like Boldin, Owens, and Cutler, it may just be about being wanted and the center of attention, but is that really a surprise when you're dealing with these primadonnas?

Check back every Monday for more Monday Morning Huddle!