Anquan Boldin Was 100% Right In Recent Comments About Referees

By Jerrell Richardson

After losing their second straight game, the 49ers were looking for answers, and wide receiver Anquan Boldin was not shy about voicing his opinion. He feels that the refs hold their share of the blame. When his comments where first heard there was a collection of groins heard across the NFL. A second look though reveals a player who is willing to put his pocketbook on the line to help his team get through a rough spot, and not a disgruntled wide out.

Of course, Boldin is the only one who really knows what, if anything, was meant behind his words, but before chalking this up as another spoiled NFL player, let’s consider a few things. First, consider who made the comment; second the positive effect it will have. When putting it all together do you really think Anquan Boldin was just spouting off?

He Has Been Around the Block

Boldin is not some flash in the pan, or ungrateful rookie. He is a 12-year veteran, still capable of being a team’s No. 1 receiver, and he played an integral part in bringing the Ravens a Super Bowl. He is also not a player known for speaking out of turn. So when he ripped the refs after the teams most recent loss, it forced everyone around him to take notice, and because of who said it, the comments have received so much attention.

Boldin Looked In The Mirror

Sure, Boldin is one of the team’s biggest culprits when it comes to committing bonehead (pun intended) penalties. It was his headbutt late in the 4^th quarter Sunday that one can argue cost San Francisco a win. But his post-game reaction to verbally go after the referees and (hopefully) not continue to physically go after his opponents is a step in the right direction, and good or bad, will make a turning point in the 49ers season.

Consider what Boldin speaking out does, both to the NFL and his 49er teammates. In the past, Boldin would have kept his words to himself, and next Sunday take his frustration out on the Eagle defenders. This would have resulted in another penalty and who knows the outcome on the final score. This new reaction will not only put the pressure squarely on the men in stripes, but also his fellow teammates, and particularly himself.

The Pressure Is On Everyone

In regards to the officials, Boldin is taking a page out of the book of the cerebral Phil Jackson who, on several occasions, used the media to draw attention to bad calls by referees. Adding to his argument is that #81 is right.

Against the Bears, the 49ers were called for 16 penalties and this past week they were flagged nine times. While Boldin’s personal foul and several other penalties that have hurt the 49ers are completely on them, there is no doubt that a good deal of the 25 flags thrown the past two weeks were questionable calls that have directly resulted in points for the opposition. The most glaring this past game were the illegal hits on Drew Stanton on back-to-back plays that resulted in an Arizona touchdown. Boldin is also speaking from experience. He was flagged for holding, wiping out a Frank Gore touchdown run in Week 2 on a play that wasn’t even close.  

While the other side of the argument is that the 49ers are simply committing more penalties than their opponents, by drawing attention to the issue - while they won’t admit it - the referees now are on the hot seat. No matter the reason, if the Eagles are called for far less penalties than the home 49ers this week, it will give Boldin’s argument some legs. The domino effect will be more people actually going back to the game tape and seeing if the 49ers wide receiver has a valid argument. This is attention the referees do not want.

The referees are not the only ones who will be closely watched this Sunday, though. The 49ers themselves had better be on their best behavior. How foolish will Boldin look if he commits a personal foul like the one he did this past week? Don’t think he doesn’t know this. Or, how bad will it make the team look if they draw attention to a matter that is based solely on the fact that San Francisco is undisciplined? Regardless, it allows both sides to correct the mistakes and simply move forward.

Lost in Boldin’s rant though was him taking accountability for his own actions, and acknowledging that they have to find a way to play through it. This part of the quote is not as juicy and seems to have been ignored.

Boldin May Save The Season

While the headlines focus on Boldin’s comments, and make it seem like he was just your typical angry player speaking out after a loss, this is not the case. Boldin said that the refs cost them the game and this is right. Penalties have cost the 49ers two wins, and the referees certainly have their share of the blame, but it’s also something the team can’t control, and something that they have contributed to.

Mark this moment down as this figures to be a crossroad in the 49ers season. They can either let their lack of discipline and the officials derail a promising season, or right the ship this week. Boldin put pressure on both sides to clean up their act, or face unwanted criticism. Like his comments or not, there is no way the referees for this week’s game are not talking about this. Add to that the fact that the NFL would prefer that this matter is not brought up again after the 49ers' next game - as do the 49ers - and this is a win win. Boldin wasn’t out of bounds with his comments and took responsibility for his actions. So what’s the all the big fuss about?

For more 49ers news and updates, visit 49ers Central.

Jerrell Richardson is a Bay Area native who due to a college career at San Diego State University has grown an appreciation for all things sports related in California. His heart will always remain in San Francisco though where he currently resides and covers everything from the San Francisco 49ers and Giants to the San Jose Sharks and California Bears Baseball team. Jerrell is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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