There is an old phrase in radio.

“Know your audience.”

But after listening to Anquan Boldin call the Cardinals liars and then instruct his agent Drew Rosenhaus to cease all negotiations with the team, I don’t think the Cardinals wide receiver knows his.

Before I begin, know this: Boldin is beyond doubt my favorite professional athlete in the valley. Nobody gives you more. Nobody tries harder. Second, if the Cardinals said to him in no uncertain terms, “Anquan we promise that before training camp starts you will have a new contract” then he has every right to be upset.

But today, my home isn’t worth what it was a year ago. It costs me 30 bucks more to fill up my gas tank. Groceries cost more. We may not be in a recession, but you sure can see it from here.

And I’m supposed to have sympathy for a football player who has already made 15 million dollars on this deal and is scheduled to make another 7 million? Boldin, once the best, now sounds like the brat.

I think he was counting on the “same old Cardinals” crowd to come out in full force and rip the team for not paying the man. But these are simply not the times for overpaid athletes to claim to be underpaid. It just doesn’t stick.

Plus there are other things at work here. When Boldin says “my agent has direct orders not to negotiate,” that is a lie. You’re telling me that if Rod Graves calls Rosenhaus today, he’s going to just let the call go to voice mail? Not answer? Not negotiate? Please.

And Boldin said yesterday that his point of view has nothing to do with Larry Fitzgerald’s new contract. Again – all together now – please.

Plus, there are semantics at work here. If the Cardinals promised him a new deal before the start of the season, couldn’t you argue that the start of the season isn’t the day before training camp opens but rather the day before, you know, the season begins? That’s six weeks away.

The ultimate team player just went out and made a stand for selfishness. Locker room chaos could ensue. And your fan base is too busy maxing out a credit card to pay for gas to care.

Love ya Anquan, but you gotta know your audience.