Spit spat aftermath: Still much confusion

TEMPE, Ariz. Maybe somebody should roll out Herman Edwards infamous postgame press conference for Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett. You play to win the game! Hello?! You play to win the game! Give Dockett credit for facing the media on Wednesday, as a team captain should do. Give Dockett credit for apologizing to teammate Kerry Rhodes for an altercation of which details are still unclear following Sundays loss to the New York Jets. Yet, in spite of those stand-up acts, Dockett still didnt seem to grasp the point of what Rhodes was trying to tell him or the coaching staff, for that matter. Neither Dockett, Rhodes nor coach Ken Whisenhunt would discuss exactly what happened or why it happened, but it was clear in Docketts interview that he was upset the Cardinals were trying to let the Jets score late to take a 14-6 lead so that Arizona could get the ball back and have a chance, albeit slim, to win the game. Me and Kerry had a very heated argument at a very heatful time in the game, Dockett said. I apologized to Kerry, Kerry forgave me, and thats it. It was a situation that we totally didnt agree on. At the end of the day we did what was best for the team to give our team the best chance to win the game. And that was the point in a nutshell. New York was smart and made certain not to get into the end zone. The Jets ran out the clock. But the only way, repeat, the only way the Cardinals had a chance to win was if they let the Jets score and got the ball back. Its just something that I dont believe in, Dockett said. I didnt understand. It was frustrating at the time. At the end of the day, I am never ever going to lay down and quit. Ive been playing football for over 20 years. Ive given this organization, Ive given Florida State and my high school everything Ive got. I love the game. I play with passion, and Ill never quit. Passion and heart are great. Playing with intelligence is also necessary, and thats what Rhodes and the staff were trying to do. As for whether Dockett will face disciplinary action for the altercation, Whisenhunt would not say. Were moving on, Whisenhunt said. Thats an in-house matter. Weve handled it in-house. Were going to move forth. Were not going to discuss an in-house situation. Rhodes did not speak to the media on Wednesday, but on Tuesday, he released a statement emphatically denying that Dockett spit on him, as was reported. Were both moving on and Ill leave it at that, Rhodes said.