Michael Sam Drafted

[Arkady]

Michael Sam just became the first openly gay man to be drafted by a major sports league in this country. Although the unanimous first-team All American was previously projected as a third-round pick, before he came out, he ended up going in the seventh round, as one of the last people drafted. Some will argue that this was because he was undersized for a defensive end. That would certainly explain why, despite such an illustrious college career, he wasn't a first rounder. It doesn't explain how he slid from the third round.

Michael Sam is 6'2", 261 lbs. That's not the kind of size NFL teams dream about at defensive end, but it's fairly standard "tweener" size (someone who could play either DE or OLB), and every year quite a few defensive ends get drafted higher than Sam at roughly the same size, and with less illustrious college careers.

For example, this year Ik Enemkpali was drafted in the sixth round. He's 6'1", 261 lbs. Not only is Sam taller, he's also faster -- Sam ran a 4.91 40, versus 5.01 for Enemkpali. That means that teams should have been more comfortable with the idea that Sam could convert to linebacker if he ended up not being able to handle NFL linemen at DE. Sam was also SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and started all 14 games (versus just 12 for Enemkpali). Sam also was statistically better, in terms of tackles, etc.

Enemkpali isn't the only undersized end to go ahead of Sam. Chris Smith of Arkansas is 6'1", 266 lbs. He also started only 12 games, but was a fifth-round pick. Dee Ford, the Auburn DE, went in the first round at 6'2", 252 lbs -- the same height as Sam, but nine pounds lighter. He only started 11 games. He also has a medical issue with his back and didn't work out at the combine.

Sam didn't slide below smaller, slower players with much less impressive college careers because he did drugs, or beat up his girlfriend, or ran into injury problems, or had medical questions about his knees, or the other things that typically push a draft pick down the board. So, what was it?

Over the decades, many hundreds of pro sport prospects were almost certainly gay. There's a reason that every single one of them hid their sexuality (and no, this isn't just about "not announcing it" -- it's about keeping relationships hidden in a way that heterosexual athletes don't). Those athletes all knew that public bigotry would make the hard job of making the grade in pro sports even harder. The difference between the four-year value of Sam's first contract and what he would have made as a mid third-rounder is about $2.1 million. Sam knew that coming out could mean a big slide in the draft, and that a big slide would mean millions of dollars lost. He came out anyway. That's why I praised him as a hero, and why I continue to do so.

 

[Dawg]

Michael Sam just became the first openly gay man to be drafted by a major sports league in this country. Although the unanimous first-team All American was previously projected as a third-round pick, before he came out, he ended up going in the seventh round, as one of the last people drafted. Some will argue that this was because he was undersized for a defensive end. That would certainly explain why, despite such an illustrious college career, he wasn't a first rounder. It doesn't explain how he slid from the third round.

Michael Sam is 6'2", 261 lbs. That's not the kind of size NFL teams dream about at defensive end, but it's fairly standard "tweener" size (someone who could play either DE or OLB), and every year quite a few defensive ends get drafted higher than Sam at roughly the same size, and with less illustrious college careers.

For example, this year Ik Enemkpali was drafted in the sixth round. He's 6'1", 261 lbs. Not only is Sam taller, he's also faster -- Sam ran a 4.91 40, versus 5.01 for Enemkpali. That means that teams should have been more comfortable with the idea that Sam could convert to linebacker if he ended up not being able to handle NFL linemen at DE. Sam was also SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and started all 14 games (versus just 12 for Enemkpali). Sam also was statistically better, in terms of tackles, etc.

Enemkpali isn't the only undersized end to go ahead of Sam. Chris Smith of Arkansas is 6'1", 266 lbs. He also started only 12 games, but was a fifth-round pick. Dee Ford, the Auburn DE, went in the first round at 6'2", 252 lbs -- the same height as Sam, but nine pounds lighter. He only started 11 games. He also has a medical issue with his back and didn't work out at the combine.

Sam didn't slide below smaller, slower players with much less impressive college careers because he did drugs, or beat up his girlfriend, or ran into injury problems, or had medical questions about his knees, or the other things that typically push a draft pick down the board. So, what was it?

Over the decades, many hundreds of pro sport prospects were almost certainly gay. There's a reason that every single one of them hid their sexuality (and no, this isn't just about "not announcing it" -- it's about keeping relationships hidden in a way that heterosexual athletes don't). Those athletes all knew that public bigotry would make the hard job of making the grade in pro sports even harder. The difference between the four-year value of Sam's first contract and what he would have made as a mid third-rounder is about $2.1 million. Sam knew that coming out could mean a big slide in the draft, and that a big slide would mean millions of dollars lost. He came out anyway. That's why I praised him as a hero, and why I continue to do so.

Praised for being Gay
Attacked for being Christain

 

[Colorforms]

Michael Sam just became the first openly gay man to be drafted by a major sports league in this country. Although the unanimous first-team All American was previously projected as a third-round pick, before he came out, he ended up going in the seventh round, as one of the last people drafted. Some will argue that this was because he was undersized for a defensive end. That would certainly explain why, despite such an illustrious college career, he wasn't a first rounder. It doesn't explain how he slid from the third round.

Michael Sam is 6'2", 261 lbs. That's not the kind of size NFL teams dream about at defensive end, but it's fairly standard "tweener" size (someone who could play either DE or OLB), and every year quite a few defensive ends get drafted higher than Sam at roughly the same size, and with less illustrious college careers.

For example, this year Ik Enemkpali was drafted in the sixth round. He's 6'1", 261 lbs. Not only is Sam taller, he's also faster -- Sam ran a 4.91 40, versus 5.01 for Enemkpali. That means that teams should have been more comfortable with the idea that Sam could convert to linebacker if he ended up not being able to handle NFL linemen at DE. Sam was also SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and started all 14 games (versus just 12 for Enemkpali). Sam also was statistically better, in terms of tackles, etc.

Enemkpali isn't the only undersized end to go ahead of Sam. Chris Smith of Arkansas is 6'1", 266 lbs. He also started only 12 games, but was a fifth-round pick. Dee Ford, the Auburn DE, went in the first round at 6'2", 252 lbs -- the same height as Sam, but nine pounds lighter. He only started 11 games. He also has a medical issue with his back and didn't work out at the combine.

Sam didn't slide below smaller, slower players with much less impressive college careers because he did drugs, or beat up his girlfriend, or ran into injury problems, or had medical questions about his knees, or the other things that typically push a draft pick down the board. So, what was it?

Over the decades, many hundreds of pro sport prospects were almost certainly gay. There's a reason that every single one of them hid their sexuality (and no, this isn't just about "not announcing it" -- it's about keeping relationships hidden in a way that heterosexual athletes don't). Those athletes all knew that public bigotry would make the hard job of making the grade in pro sports even harder. The difference between the four-year value of Sam's first contract and what he would have made as a mid third-rounder is about $2.1 million. Sam knew that coming out could mean a big slide in the draft, and that a big slide would mean millions of dollars lost. He came out anyway. That's why I praised him as a hero, and why I continue to do so.

Well thank God. I know a lot of football fans were holding their collective breath there.

 

[fairsheet]

Michael Sam just became the first openly gay man to be drafted by a major sports league in this country. Although the unanimous first-team All American was previously projected as a third-round pick, before he came out, he ended up going in the seventh round, as one of the last people drafted. Some will argue that this was because he was undersized for a defensive end. That would certainly explain why, despite such an illustrious college career, he wasn't a first rounder. It doesn't explain how he slid from the third round.

Michael Sam is 6'2", 261 lbs. That's not the kind of size NFL teams dream about at defensive end, but it's fairly standard "tweener" size (someone who could play either DE or OLB), and every year quite a few defensive ends get drafted higher than Sam at roughly the same size, and with less illustrious college careers.

For example, this year Ik Enemkpali was drafted in the sixth round. He's 6'1", 261 lbs. Not only is Sam taller, he's also faster -- Sam ran a 4.91 40, versus 5.01 for Enemkpali. That means that teams should have been more comfortable with the idea that Sam could convert to linebacker if he ended up not being able to handle NFL linemen at DE. Sam was also SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and started all 14 games (versus just 12 for Enemkpali). Sam also was statistically better, in terms of tackles, etc.

Enemkpali isn't the only undersized end to go ahead of Sam. Chris Smith of Arkansas is 6'1", 266 lbs. He also started only 12 games, but was a fifth-round pick. Dee Ford, the Auburn DE, went in the first round at 6'2", 252 lbs -- the same height as Sam, but nine pounds lighter. He only started 11 games. He also has a medical issue with his back and didn't work out at the combine.

Sam didn't slide below smaller, slower players with much less impressive college careers because he did drugs, or beat up his girlfriend, or ran into injury problems, or had medical questions about his knees, or the other things that typically push a draft pick down the board. So, what was it?

Over the decades, many hundreds of pro sport prospects were almost certainly gay. There's a reason that every single one of them hid their sexuality (and no, this isn't just about "not announcing it" -- it's about keeping relationships hidden in a way that heterosexual athletes don't). Those athletes all knew that public bigotry would make the hard job of making the grade in pro sports even harder. The difference between the four-year value of Sam's first contract and what he would have made as a mid third-rounder is about $2.1 million. Sam knew that coming out could mean a big slide in the draft, and that a big slide would mean millions of dollars lost. He came out anyway. That's why I praised him as a hero, and why I continue to do so.

Sam isn't just an All-American. He's the reigning co-defensive player of the year in the SEC. Most every prior player with these bona-fides, has been drafted in the 1st or 2nd round, although one did slip to the 3rd round.

We shall see. At least he was drafted and will have an opportunity to prove himself. Here's hoping he makes a fool out of all those drafters who passed on him.

 

[as seen on tv]

you need to watch more TV, LOL . . . .

this was COMPLETELY vetted by the media when Sam "came out" and again during the draft.

Michael Sam is deliberately taking actions to put himself and his notoriety ahead of being a team player, and THATS what hurting his draft position. Its been called the "Tebow effect". Tim Tebow is so front and center about his religion that he creates a media storm wherever he is. As a backup quarterback he diverts attention from the starting QB and rest of the team. That's why he's not on any NFL team.

Coaches and NFL players notoriously resent players - especially untested, egotistical ones - who constantly attempt to manipulate the media to keep the cameras focused on them.

I'm sure Michael Sam anticipates that his antics are going to result in some sort of endorsements which a 3rd (or 7th round) rookie draft pick wouldn't otherwise be able to even dream about. It remains to be seen who will step up to the plate and sign Sam for "the first gay NFL player endorsements". A light beer? A condom manufacturer? Will he come out with special gay themed apparrel?

Michael Sam is a stunt who hasn't played a single down in NFL football. He seems to think he's something special. We'll see . . .

 

[fairsheet]

you need to watch more TV, LOL . . . .

this was COMPLETELY vetted by the media when Sam "came out" and again during the draft.

Michael Sam is deliberately taking actions to put himself and his notoriety ahead of being a team player, and THATS what hurting his draft position. Its been called the "Tebow effect". Tim Tebow is so front and center about his religion that he creates a media storm wherever he is. As a backup quarterback he diverts attention from the starting QB and rest of the team. That's why he's not on any NFL team.

Coaches and NFL players notoriously resent players - especially untested, egotistical ones - who constantly attempt to manipulate the media to keep the cameras focused on them.

I'm sure Michael Sam anticipates that his antics are going to result in some sort of endorsements which a 3rd (or 7th round) rookie draft pick wouldn't otherwise be able to even dream about. It remains to be seen who will step up to the plate and sign Sam for "the first gay NFL player endorsements". A light beer? A condom manufacturer? Will he come out with special gay themed apparrel?

Michael Sam is a stunt who hasn't played a single down in NFL football. He seems to think he's something special. We'll see . . .

Funny thing is..."the teevee" says that Sam has assiduously avoided ANY mention of his gayness, since his original announcement. You should challenge your sources to prove me wrong.

And in that regard, he could not be more DIFFERENT from Tebow. Of course...I suppose people can debate whether or not he should've made his announcement in the first place but...if not now, when?

Still...he's at least gotten a chance to prove himself. And if he becomes a star down the road, the fact of his being drafted in the 7th round - ala Tom Brady - will be but a mere curiosity.

 

[Dawg]

Sam isn't just an All-American. He's the reigning co-defensive player of the year in the SEC. Most every prior player with these bona-fides, has been drafted in the 1st or 2nd round, although one did slip to the 3rd round.

We shall see. At least he was drafted and will have an opportunity to prove himself. Here's hoping he makes a fool out of all those drafters who passed on him.

another player tweeted some about Sam (Jones I think) and that just had Sam on TV crying like a grade school kid while listening to the Tweet...........OMG.......let the bs begin.
BTW: I could care less....I don't watch ball-sports.

 

[as seen on tv]

Funny thing is..."the teevee" says that Sam has assiduously avoided ANY mention of his gayness, since his original announcement. You should challenge your sources to prove me wrong.

And in that regard, he could not be more DIFFERENT from Tebow. Of course...I suppose people can debate whether or not he should've made his announcement in the first place but...if not now, when?

Still...he's at least gotten a chance to prove himself. And if he becomes a star down the road, the fact of his being drafted in the 7th round - ala Tom Brady - will be but a mere curiosity.

his "announcement" was an explicit dare for teams to NOT draft him - he theorized it would hurt his changes. This was discrimination suit set up from the start.

Sam notoroiously was NOT silent in the ensuing weeks. And the moment he WAS drafted he sent a picture of himself kissing his boyfriend, immediately throwing fuel on the fire and justifying the the original conclusion that he's taking every conceivable step to show he's not a team player, and this is all a giant stunt to aggrandize himself.

 

[fairsheet]

his "announcement" was an explicit dare for teams to NOT draft him - he theorized it would hurt his changes. This was discrimination suit set up from the start.

Sam notoroiously was NOT silent in the ensuing weeks. And the moment he WAS drafted he sent a picture of himself kissing his boyfriend, immediately throwing fuel on the fire and justifying the the original conclusion that he's taking every conceivable step to show he's not a team player, and this is all a giant stunt to aggrandize himself.

You appear to be suggesting that a "team player" does what every single NFL player before him does. He pretends he's straight for the "sake of the team". Funny aside....EVERY one at Missouri knew he was gay, which pretty much means that everyone who was a relevant anyone, already knew he was gay.

Of course...everyone who was a relevant anyone knows lots of other gay players, but as long as they keep themselves in the closet, nobody pays them any public nevermind.

 

[Zam-Zam]

Quick - Without looking, who was the 249th player taken in the 2013 NFL draft?

If you don't know, why not?

If the idea that sexuality should not be a big deal, then why are we making it a big deal?

I wish Mr. Sam well, and I don't care who he sleeps with. That said, his odds of making an NFL roster are not great. He was the 249th player drafted.

So, to me, this isn't a big deal. If you think it is, then you likely view his sexuality as important.

It shouldn't be. That's the point.



Incidentally, the answer is Sean Renfree, Quarterback from Duke.

 

[ya-ta-hey]

Michael Sam just became the first openly gay man to be drafted by a major sports league in this country. Although the unanimous first-team All American was previously projected as a third-round pick, before he came out, he ended up going in the seventh round, as one of the last people drafted. Some will argue that this was because he was undersized for a defensive end. That would certainly explain why, despite such an illustrious college career, he wasn't a first rounder. It doesn't explain how he slid from the third round.

Michael Sam is 6'2", 261 lbs. That's not the kind of size NFL teams dream about at defensive end, but it's fairly standard "tweener" size (someone who could play either DE or OLB), and every year quite a few defensive ends get drafted higher than Sam at roughly the same size, and with less illustrious college careers.

For example, this year Ik Enemkpali was drafted in the sixth round. He's 6'1", 261 lbs. Not only is Sam taller, he's also faster -- Sam ran a 4.91 40, versus 5.01 for Enemkpali. That means that teams should have been more comfortable with the idea that Sam could convert to linebacker if he ended up not being able to handle NFL linemen at DE. Sam was also SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and started all 14 games (versus just 12 for Enemkpali). Sam also was statistically better, in terms of tackles, etc.

Enemkpali isn't the only undersized end to go ahead of Sam. Chris Smith of Arkansas is 6'1", 266 lbs. He also started only 12 games, but was a fifth-round pick. Dee Ford, the Auburn DE, went in the first round at 6'2", 252 lbs -- the same height as Sam, but nine pounds lighter. He only started 11 games. He also has a medical issue with his back and didn't work out at the combine.

Sam didn't slide below smaller, slower players with much less impressive college careers because he did drugs, or beat up his girlfriend, or ran into injury problems, or had medical questions about his knees, or the other things that typically push a draft pick down the board. So, what was it?

Over the decades, many hundreds of pro sport prospects were almost certainly gay. There's a reason that every single one of them hid their sexuality (and no, this isn't just about "not announcing it" -- it's about keeping relationships hidden in a way that heterosexual athletes don't). Those athletes all knew that public bigotry would make the hard job of making the grade in pro sports even harder. The difference between the four-year value of Sam's first contract and what he would have made as a mid third-rounder is about $2.1 million. Sam knew that coming out could mean a big slide in the draft, and that a big slide would mean millions of dollars lost. He came out anyway. That's why I praised him as a hero, and why I continue to do so.

Mr. Arkady,

The fag card worked. Let's see if he can keep it working to at least get on the practice squad.

 

[Arkady]

Praised for being Gay
Attacked for being Christain

Nope. Michael Sam isn't being praised for being gay. There's nothing particularly noteworthy about being gay. Based on a very conservative estimate that around 3% of American men are gay, there are somewhere around seven gay people drafted in the NFL every year. Praising an NFL player for being gay makes about as much sense as praising an NFL player for having been born in Europe (also a mildly rare trait that isn't a matter of choice, and thus not worthy of praise or condemnation). What made Michael Sam so interesting is that he was the first gay man who was a prospect for a major professional sport who didn't decide to hide his sexuality. That took courage and the willingness to sacrifice. There's a reason all the others, including, very likely, several others this year, chose to closet themselves.

As for Tebow, he was widely celebrated for being an outspoken Christian. Despite being a mediocre QB who couldn't even stick as a backup, one year he had the highest-selling jersey in the NFL. Do you think Michael Sam is going to have that? Please. Yet, there wasn't anything remotely brave or unusual about Tebow coming out as a Christian. The NFL is positively overrun with them. You can hardly tune in to an NFL game without seeing Christians making a conspicuous display of public prayer (notwithstanding Matthew 6:6 telling them they should closet themselves). It seems like every third post-game interview asserts that God intervened in the game (always on behalf of the speaker, of course). NFL players have been self-publicizing Christians for decades (despite being paid for working mostly on a day they supposedly think was set aside by their god as a day for no work). Tebow wasn't blazing any new ground. Reggie White was actually an ordained minister (and a vastly better football player). But Tebow was closely associated with the movement to criminalize the decision to terminate a pregnancy, so he became very popular among religious conservatives.

 

[Colorforms]

Nope. Michael Sam isn't being praised for being gay. There's nothing particularly noteworthy about being gay. Based on a very conservative estimate that around 3% of American men are gay, there are somewhere around seven gay people drafted in the NFL every year. Praising an NFL player for being gay makes about as much sense as praising an NFL player for having been born in Europe (also a mildly rare trait that isn't a matter of choice, and thus not worthy of praise or condemnation). What made Michael Sam so interesting is that he was the first gay man who was a prospect for a major professional sport who didn't decide to hide his sexuality. That took courage and the willingness to sacrifice. There's a reason all the others, including, very likely, several others this year, chose to closet themselves.

As for Tebow, he was widely celebrated for being an outspoken Christian. Despite being a mediocre QB who couldn't even stick as a backup, one year he had the highest-selling jersey in the NFL. Do you think Michael Sam is going to have that? Please. Yet, there wasn't anything remotely brave or unusual about Tebow coming out as a Christian. The NFL is positively overrun with them. You can hardly tune in to an NFL game without seeing Christians making a conspicuous display of public prayer (notwithstanding Matthew 6:6 telling them they should closet themselves). It seems like every third post-game interview asserts that God intervened in the game (always on behalf of the speaker, of course). NFL players have been self-publicizing Christians for decades (despite being paid for working mostly on a day they supposedly think was set aside by their god as a day for no work). Tebow wasn't blazing any new ground. Reggie White was actually an ordained minister (and a vastly better football player). But Tebow was closely associated with the movement to criminalize the decision to terminate a pregnancy, so he became very popular among religious conservatives.

So, you're saying that if a player came out that was a holocaust denying anti-Semite, that you would celebrate that because of the number of holocaust denying anti-Semites who publically come out in the NFL?

I think not. No, it's because he's gay and you know it.

 

[Arkady]

Sam isn't just an All-American. He's the reigning co-defensive player of the year in the SEC. Most every prior player with these bona-fides, has been drafted in the 1st or 2nd round, although one did slip to the 3rd round.

We shall see. At least he was drafted and will have an opportunity to prove himself. Here's hoping he makes a fool out of all those drafters who passed on him.

The pre-coming-out projections had him as a second or third rounder. His combine numbers, plus his college career, was consistent for that. The most likely reason he fell was that he's gay.

I don't think that all of those who passed him over for less talented and accomplished DEs and OLBs were bigots. Some of them would draft active members of Al Qaeda if they thought they'd help them win a Super Bowl. For most, I think it was about the distraction. They figured that enough of their players and fans were bigots that drafting an openly gay man would make it harder to focus. For example, I try to picture Bill Belichik, who can hardly tolerate the media through the course of a typical post-game press conference, reacting to questions about supposed locker-room tensions around some backup third-round rookie. Even if Belichick himself were personally gay, I could imagine him deciding he didn't want that headache.

But, even if personal bigotry by the coaches, owners, and GMs wasn't the primary cause of his slide, it still points to why it took such guts to come out. Michael Sam is going to have to deal with those distractions while trying to make a team and then crack the starting lineup. That's going to make a tough job even tougher. But he was willing to take on that intense degree of difficulty to blaze a trail for others. That pioneering spirit is a beautiful thing.

 

[Arkady]

you need to watch more TV, LOL . . . .

this was COMPLETELY vetted by the media when Sam "came out" and again during the draft.

Michael Sam is deliberately taking actions to put himself and his notoriety ahead of being a team player, and THATS what hurting his draft position. Its been called the "Tebow effect". Tim Tebow is so front and center about his religion that he creates a media storm wherever he is. As a backup quarterback he diverts attention from the starting QB and rest of the team. That's why he's not on any NFL team.

Coaches and NFL players notoriously resent players - especially untested, egotistical ones - who constantly attempt to manipulate the media to keep the cameras focused on them.

I'm sure Michael Sam anticipates that his antics are going to result in some sort of endorsements which a 3rd (or 7th round) rookie draft pick wouldn't otherwise be able to even dream about. It remains to be seen who will step up to the plate and sign Sam for "the first gay NFL player endorsements". A light beer? A condom manufacturer? Will he come out with special gay themed apparrel?

Michael Sam is a stunt who hasn't played a single down in NFL football. He seems to think he's something special. We'll see . . .

If being a gay player is such a big financial windfall, why is it that in the whole history of the major male pro sports, EVERY SINGLE ONE of the doubtless hundreds of gay players chose to closet themselves, doubtless with great personal difficulties associated with it?

Michael Sam is something special -- a hero whose name will be remembered decades from now when all but the superstars of his class have been forgotten.

 

[Arkady]

Quick - Without looking, who was the 249th player taken in the 2013 NFL draft?

If you don't know, why not?

If the idea that sexuality should not be a big deal, then why are we making it a big deal?

I wish Mr. Sam well, and I don't care who he sleeps with. That said, his odds of making an NFL roster are not great. He was the 249th player drafted.

So, to me, this isn't a big deal. If you think it is, then you likely view his sexuality as important.

It shouldn't be. That's the point.



Incidentally, the answer is Sean Renfree, Quarterback from Duke.

Zam-Zam, who was the first black player in Major League Baseball to break the color barrier? You know you know the answer. And you know it's a big deal -- not because it's inherently a big deal to be black, but because pioneers who are the first to blaze a trail against bigotry are celebrated for their courage. Michael Sam is the same. In a few years, doubtless we'll find the fact an openly gay man is drafted to be as un-noteworthy a fact as a black player being drafted, or an openly Jewish one. And we can think Michael Sam for that. Before long the sexuality of a major team sport male athlete won't be a topic that merits news coverage, but there had to be a Michael Sam before we could get to that point. And you know it.

 

[Arkady]

Mr. Arkady,

The fag card worked. Let's see if he can keep it working to at least get on the practice squad.

Your bigotry is a perfect example of why he was so brave. I actually appreciate having openly bigoted people like you advertising such hatred and ignorance, since it destroys the idea that Sam's sexuality is "no big deal," and that thus his courage was negligible. Sam knew that if he came out, he'd face epithets from people like you. He knew he'd be called a "fag" by pea-brained cowards, the same way Jackie Robinson was called a "N*****r." And he knew his accomplishments would be belittled for no other reason than his sexuality. Yet he chose to face that hatred so that others, in the future, wouldn't have to. Fortunately, he's getting applauded for that fortitude by the kinds of people whose good opinions are worth having. And the hatred of sub-humans like yourself can be worn as a badge of pride.

 

[Dawg]

Nope. Michael Sam isn't being praised for being gay. There's nothing particularly noteworthy about being gay. Based on a very conservative estimate that around 3% of American men are gay, there are somewhere around seven gay people drafted in the NFL every year. Praising an NFL player for being gay makes about as much sense as praising an NFL player for having been born in Europe (also a mildly rare trait that isn't a matter of choice, and thus not worthy of praise or condemnation). What made Michael Sam so interesting is that he was the first gay man who was a prospect for a major professional sport who didn't decide to hide his sexuality. That took courage and the willingness to sacrifice. There's a reason all the others, including, very likely, several others this year, chose to closet themselves.

As for Tebow, he was widely celebrated for being an outspoken Christian. Despite being a mediocre QB who couldn't even stick as a backup, one year he had the highest-selling jersey in the NFL. Do you think Michael Sam is going to have that? Please. Yet, there wasn't anything remotely brave or unusual about Tebow coming out as a Christian. The NFL is positively overrun with them. You can hardly tune in to an NFL game without seeing Christians making a conspicuous display of public prayer (notwithstanding Matthew 6:6 telling them they should closet themselves). It seems like every third post-game interview asserts that God intervened in the game (always on behalf of the speaker, of course). NFL players have been self-publicizing Christians for decades (despite being paid for working mostly on a day they supposedly think was set aside by their god as a day for no work). Tebow wasn't blazing any new ground. Reggie White was actually an ordained minister (and a vastly better football player). But Tebow was closely associated with the movement to criminalize the decision to terminate a pregnancy, so he became very popular among religious conservatives.

all that to deny Sam was reported First Open Gay drafted in NFL.......k

 

[Arkady]

So, you're saying that if a player came out that was a holocaust denying anti-Semite, that you would celebrate that because of the number of holocaust denying anti-Semites who publically come out in the NFL?

I think not. No, it's because he's gay and you know it.

Coming out as a holocaust-denying anti-Semite, as an NFL prospect, would certainly be courageous and self-sacrificing. But it since the holocaust did, in fact, happen, it would mark a person as an imbecile, while the ant-Semitism would mark him as a bigot. There's no comparison to Michael Sam, since the courage and self-sacrifice, in his case, isn't off-set by anything negative. He's not coming out as believing anything, much less believing something atrocious. He's simply coming out as being gay.

 

[Gramps]

you need to watch more TV, LOL . . . .

this was COMPLETELY vetted by the media when Sam "came out" and again during the draft.

Michael Sam is deliberately taking actions to put himself and his notoriety ahead of being a team player, and THATS what hurting his draft position. Its been called the "Tebow effect". Tim Tebow is so front and center about his religion that he creates a media storm wherever he is. As a backup quarterback he diverts attention from the starting QB and rest of the team. That's why he's not on any NFL team.

Coaches and NFL players notoriously resent players - especially untested, egotistical ones - who constantly attempt to manipulate the media to keep the cameras focused on them.

I'm sure Michael Sam anticipates that his antics are going to result in some sort of endorsements which a 3rd (or 7th round) rookie draft pick wouldn't otherwise be able to even dream about. It remains to be seen who will step up to the plate and sign Sam for "the first gay NFL player endorsements". A light beer? A condom manufacturer? Will he come out with special gay themed apparrel?

Michael Sam is a stunt who hasn't played a single down in NFL football. He seems to think he's something special. We'll see . . .

There is nothing wrong with anyone thinking they are someone special. If you can't see yourself as special it's doubtful anyone else will. It's kind'a like those who are cocky about being talented. There's nothing wrong with it if you can walk the walk. More people than not envy a smug mug it he's made of the right stuff.

gramps