ARIZONA CARDINALS

I don’t like it but I sure do get it

Sep 10, 2014, 5:13 PM | Updated: 10:44 pm

There is plenty of scorn directed at Larry Fitzgerald Sr. but you’ll find very little from me. Mostly it’s empathy.

I sat behind him in the press box Monday night and could feel the burn. Three quarters had gone by and his son — a future Hall-of Fame wide receiver — had yet to be targeted once. Not one single time.

It quickly became a narrative, perhaps the main one both locally and national. Why are they not throwing the ball to Fitz? What’s the real reason?

And he reacted.

I understand.

I’ve got a 16-year-old baseball-playing son and a 14-year-old volleyball-playing daughter. I’ve felt the burn when my daughter has languished on the bench or wasted a vacation day to watch my son play only to find that he’s not.

It hurts in a way that is difficult to describe and much harder to justify.

And each time you have to fight the temptation to be THAT DAD. Or THAT MOM. It’s like shaking a soda can for two hours; some people just can’t help but to open it in front of everybody.

I’ve seen angry moms chase down coaches (who themselves are just kids) to berate them over why their daughter is on the bench. Dads who employ the squeaky-wheel-gets-the-grease strategy (successfully, I might add) to lobby for more playing time for their son. I’ve seen disappointed kids who are forced to transfer schools because mom and dad weren’t happy about the program.

Fitzgerald Sr.’s vague tweet about politics and business had that all-too-familiar feel to it. It’s astounding to think that Larry Fitzgerald can accomplish as much as he has as a football player yet still turn a dad into a dad when he is only thrown to four times. And to the younger Fitz’s credit, his response was measured and appropriate. When he meets with the media later this week, Fitz will surely handle it with grace, class and humor.

It’s a tough spot to be put in by your dad to be sure. But go easy on him.

Chances are you know exactly what he’s going through.

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Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians, left, and San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy talk prior to an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Cardinals' Drew Butler (2) ties his shoe prior to an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers' Philip Rivers warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals punter Drew Butler warms up prior to an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. Butler was added to the team due to an injury of the Cardinals regular punter Dave Zastudil. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer (20) is hit by San Diego Chargers defensive back Brandon Flowers (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Cardinals tight end John Carlson (89) is hit by San Diego Chargers cornerback Shareece Wright (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks to throw against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs towards Patrick Peterson (21) as he takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers fans cheer during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York) San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) pulls in a pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie (31) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass under pressure from Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker John Abraham (55) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy challenges a fumble on the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Chargers won the challenge and recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers (25) and Antonio Cromartie break up a pass intended for San Diego Chargers wide receiver Eddie Royal (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro (7) kicks a field goal as teammate Dave Zastudil (9) holds during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals tackle Bobby Massie (70) and San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Donald Butler (56) battle for the fumbled football during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Chargers recovered on the play after a challenge on the field. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Eddie Royal (11) can't make the catch as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers (25) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws under pressure against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) is stopped by San Diego Chargers cornerback Shareece Wright (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is sacked by San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers kicker Nick Novak (9) kicks a field goal against the Arizona Cardinals as Mike Scifres (5) holds during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks to pass under pressure from San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Dwight Freeney during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is stopped by San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget (94) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie breaks up a pass intended for San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget (94) celebrates his sack against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner's name and jersey number are shown in University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Monday, Sept. 6, 2014, after he was inducted into the Arizona Cardinals' Ring of Honor. (Photo: Dave Zadrozny) Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner speaks after being inducted into the Cardinals' ring of honor at halftime during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner speaks after being inducted into the Cardinals' ring of honor at halftime during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner and his wife, Brenda Warner, left, stand on the field as Warner is inducted into the Cardinals' ring of honor at halftime during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Fans unveil former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner's name as he is inducted into the Cardinals' ring of honor at halftime during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Fans unveil former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner's name as he is inducted into the Cardinals' ring of honor at halftime during an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd celebrates his touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) is tackled by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) scores a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) is pursued by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) and Patrick Peterson (21) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) eludes the tackle of Arizona Cardinals free safety Tony Jefferson (22) to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (38) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals tight end Rob Housler (84) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy holds a football as he looks to the officials during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals running back Stepfan Taylor (30) celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Michael Floyd during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals running back Stepfan Taylor (30) pulls in a touchdown pass as San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Manti Te'o (50) stands near during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) can't makes the catch in the end zone against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (38) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals tight end Rob Housler (84) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (38) breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals tight end Rob Housler (84) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) eludes the tackle of Arizona Cardinals free safety Tony Jefferson (22) to score a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Dwight Freeney (93) celebrates a stop against the Arizona Cardinals with teammate Jeremiah Attaochu (97) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) scores a touchdown as San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians calls a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) scores a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Jonathan Dwyer (20) against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Cromartie celebrates a stop against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) An Arizona Cardinals fan, right, cheers a game-winning touchdown while a San Diego Chargers fan reacts during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) greets San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) after an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) San Diego Chargers' Philip Rivers tosses his helmet after failing to get a first down on the final possession against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 18-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) is hurried by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Dwight Freeney, left, during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians, right, embraces San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy after an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson (21) and Rashad Johnson, right, celebrate a defensive stop on the the San Diego Chargers final possession during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates, right, talks with Danny Woodhead after the Chargers offense failed to get a first down on their final possession against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 18-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) can't hold onto the ball on fourth down as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals took over on downs and ran out the clock to win 18-17. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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I don’t like it but I sure do get it