TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - Arizona defensive tackle Darnell Dockett says he has talked to Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck and "everything's cool" between him and the Seahawks quarterback.
Dockett said he was disappointed that Seattle coach Jim Mora called it a dirty play when the big lineman's forearm was thrust into Hasselbeck's throat while the quarterback was lying down Sunday during the Cardinals' 31-20 victory over the Seahawks. Dockett said it was an accident.
"I'm not going to sit here all mad about Seattle," Dockett said after Wednesday's practice. "I've got much respect for Matt Hasselbeck and the things he's done. If I had a personal tough man award I would give it to him."
There's no word from the NFL on whether Dockett will be fined for the incident. No penalty was called on the play, but Hasselbeck got up holding his throat and gasping for air.
"I don't want to be labeled a dirty player or anything like that," Dockett said. "I play aggressive, I play the game hard. That's the way I was taught to play and I'm going to continue to play that way."
Dockett said he understands Mora coming to the defense of his quarterback and is pretty sure Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt would do the same for Kurt Warner.
Dockett said he wishes Mora well, that he hopes the Seahawks coach "wins the rest of the games this season."
