The Facts: Murray made an impromptu visit to the media room on Thursday to defend himself after questions about his study habits percolated following the so-called "homework" clause in his new contract becoming public. Murray said that he took issue with the idea that some think he could have made it this far without adequately studying and preparing for games. "I feel it's necessary, you know, with what's going on regarding me and the things that are being said about me," Murray told reporters. "To think that I can accomplish everything that I have accomplished in my career and not be a student of the game and not have that passion and not take this serious is disrespectful, and it's almost a joke."

Diehards Line:Murray continued: "To me, I'm flattered. I want to say flattered that you all think that at my size, I can go out there and not prepare for the game, and not take it serious. It's disrespectful, I feel like, to my peers, to all the great athletes and great players that are in this league. This game is too hard. To play the position that I play in this league, it's too hard. ..." In case you missed it, an addendum in Murray's new $230.5 million extension requires the QB to "complete at least four (4) hours of independent study" during game weeks. The clause states that Murray will not receive credit for the independent study if he "is not personally studying or watching the material while it is being displayed or played" or if the player is involved in activities that could distract his attention (i.e. television, video games or browsing the internet). Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill believed the clause was a necessary part of the extension. Murray declined to answer Thursday whether he was upset at the team for putting the homework clause in the contract. ... It'll be interesting to see how long this issue lingers -- and how Murray reacts over time.