On February 9, 2014, University of Missouri DE, Michael Sam sat down with Chris Connelly on ESPN’s Outside The Lines to talk about his coming out experience and what it felt like to be one of college football’s first openly gay player. It had all the makings of an “after school special” with the flair for the dramatic. When Michael Sam made his admission, no active NFL player had ever been out publicly.
The media pounced on this story like rabid dogs. For weeks and weeks Sam and his sexuality became the number one story in sports, news outlets ran the story into the ground.
At 6’3, 225 pounds, Sam was the 2013 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, he excelled as a Missouri Tiger. Heading into the combine there was much anticipation to see what Sam could bring to the table. There seemed to be no doubt that Sam is NFL material, but only time would tell if that is as a situational player or a defensive presence. He is not blessed with superior size or speed, but has heart and tremendous work ethic. Nevertheless, Sam’s combine number were a mixed bag. Sam’s sprint portion that clocked in at 4.91 left little to be desired. Sam’s strength was then taken into consideration when he disappointed in the bench press. At 17 reps, it was one of the lowest figures among defensive lineman. While Sam did well in other portions of the combine, like the 114-inch leap in the broad jump, scouting reports remained the same, Sam will struggle against the run and lacks the length to be an impact player.
Sam was chosen by the St. Louis Rams in the 7th round of the 2014 draft. Shortly after he was drafted reports surfaced that Michael Sam signed on to do a documentary with the OWN Network. Sources told ESPN.com that the network’s plan was to follow Sam’s personal life as he tried to make the Rams, dividing the content into six to eight segments. The Rams did not find out till after they drafted him. After the Rams brass met with Sam’s agent Cameron Weiss, plans for the documentary were postponed, much to the non-football media’s dismay. No doubt the documentary would have been a distraction, especially when Michael Sam’s wish is to play football and not just be known as the first openly gay player to get drafted.
” I just wish you guys would just see me as Michael Sam the football player, instead of Michael Sam the gay football player.” Sam told reporters.
From the beginning, it has been quite clear that to the non-football media their interest in Michael Sam as a football player is non-existent.
The St. Louis Rams cut Michael Sam last week, shortly after ESPN did a report on Sam’s showering habits. Distraction though, was not the reason that Michael Sam got cut.
“It was a football decision, and the decision is no different than any other decision that we make,” said Rams coach Jeff Fisher.
A decision that did not come easy, but Sam was simply outperformed in the pre-season. Undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrook intrigued everyone with his raw, natural ability. Sam was also impressive in camp, but in the end versatility won out.
Sam didn’t go without a team for long. In less than a week, the Dallas Cowboys swooped in and signed Sam to their practice squad. In true form that has been the media circus surrounding Sam, the Cowboys threw a press conference to announce the practice squad signing, proving once again that football is again an afterthought. Overkill at it’s best.
Only time will tell what will come out Michael Sam’s career, but one thing is for sure the media obsession surrounding him is the real distraction.
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