Cardinals Darnell Dockett Genuinely Speaks Out About Ex-Teammate

Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett (90) against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darnell Dockett spoke out in an interview after a workout at the Tempe facility, this being  the first opportunity for the media to get him to respond to a tweet he sent out at the beginning of free agency.

The tweet did not mention any names as many speculated Dockett was showing his frustration toward ex-teammate Karlos Dansby who signed with the Cleveland Browns and turning down an opportunity to return to the successful defense of last year.

When asked about the tweet Dockett admitted indeed his tweet was directed at Dansby, Dockett said “I personally feel like he chased the money verses chasing a ring” speaking of Dansby not retuning to the team. Dockett also added “No knock towards Cleveland — I don’t want people to try to think I’m saying Cleveland doesn’t have a chance; everybody has a chance — but I just felt like it was made for him to be here.” Mind you, Karlos Dansby signed a four year deal worth 24 million and the surprise was 14 million of it will be guaranteed.

This can be very good press in both instances, on one hand a professional player will usually always be politically correct in saying the cliche quotes that would not ruffle any feathers, but credit to Dockett for being straight honest with his comments and held back nothing.

At the same time its really hard to take the business aspect out of the equation seeing that all these players are represented individually and must look out for number one, and the norm is : get as much as you can while you can.

If Dockett were in Dansby’s place would he be playing the loyal card, or would he take the fat unexpected contract from a team far out of contention, knowing this could be his last opportunity  to see a contract like that in his career.

Only time will tell, but to Dansby’s credit, I have not seen one athlete that would turn down guaranteed money of that amount, and at the age of 32 on the downside of his career. Being given an opportunity to set him and his family up for what ever is coming after football, truth be told:  you and I and I think Darnell Dockett as well, would not have passed that up.