http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2009/01/23/nflrdp0123.html


Arizona receiver Anquan Boldin laughed off the negative reaction to his nationally televised run-in with offensive coordinator Todd Haley, calling it “hilarious.”
Boldin’s shouting match with the coach on the sideline came as Arizona drove for the winning touchdown in Sunday’s playoff victory over Philadelphia.
Boldin left quickly after congratulating teammates to avoid questions about the incident. He acknowledged Thursday that his abrupt departure “made it worse.”

“For me it’s hilarious,” Boldin said of the criticism. “Every week, somebody on the sidelines gets into an argument … and once it’s done, it’s dead on all sides.”
Union successor

The NFL players’ union has narrowed its list to five candidates to succeed the late Gene Upshaw as executive director, The Associated Press reported. The list includes former NFLPA presidents Troy Vincent and Trace Armstrong. The other three candidates reportedly are former union executive and former Bears tackle Jim Covert, ex-NFL player Ben Utt and attorney DeMaurice Smith.

Receiver recovering
New York Giants receiver Taye Biddle is recovering from gunshot wounds to his hand and leg after being shot while visiting family in his hometown in Decatur, Ala.

Decatur police said Biddle was shot outside a residence and was treated and released from a hospital. There was no evidence Biddle caused or provoked the shooting
49ers get ex-Falcon
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of former Falcons defensive back Jimmy Williams.

In two seasons (2006-07), Williams had 40 tackles, one interception and three passes defensed in 27 games. He didn’t play in 2008.
Rams coaches

St. Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo named Pat Shurmur (formerly Philadelphia’s quarterbacks coach) offensive coordinator and Ken Flajole (formerly Carolina’s linebackers coach) defensive coordinator.
Etc… .

Arizona’s playoff success pushed the Falcons up one spot to No. 24 in the draft. The Cardinals were scheduled to pick at No. 21, but by reaching the Super Bowl, they will pick No. 31 or No. 32. …

New Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris filled the defensive coordinator post with Jim Bates, who had the same job with the Falcons (1994) and most recently with Denver (2007)… . Carolina defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac turned down an offer to remain on the staff… . Former head coaches Tony Dungy and Mike Holmgren were added to NBC’s Super Bowl pregame show.