First openly Gay player picked in NFL Draft

[Dandy Jack]

Michael Sam has been picked by The St. Louis Rams in the N.F.L. Draft.

There was speculation as to if any team would draft him.

Sam was voted an all American at Missouri and The Associated Press’

defensive player of the year in the S.E.C. (South Eastern Conference)

The SEC has fourteen member institutions in eleven contiguous states in the southeast and midwest, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The geographic domain of the conference stretches from Texas to South Carolina (west to east) and from Missouri to Florida (north to south).

Missouri was recently added to the SEC.

Michael Sam played Defensive End and attended The University of Missouri. He was chosen

in the seventh round. It was the third and final day of The NFL Draft.

Sam’s draft status was seen as measure of whether the N.F.L. was ready to accept an

openly gay player.

The N.B.A. had already broken that barrier earlier this year when Jason Collins joined the

Brooklyn Nets.

After nearly seven numbing hours of picks on Saturday, the third and final day of the draft,

Mike Kensil, an N.F.L. employee walked to the podium and read Sam’s name. Michael Sam

picked by The St. Louis Rams.

History has been made. Cheers rang out among the several hundred fans still left at Radio

City Music Hall.

Now he only has to avoid being cut!

Dandy Jack!

 

[BBGuy5240]

I Wish him nothing but the best.

I may not be Gay, but I've known many people who are. Both Men & Women who have held that secret in for years. And holding a secret like that in for so long does takes its toll emotionally.

I don't think his Team at Mizzou gets enough credit though. Because he came out to his Teammates & Coaching Staff before the 2013 Season started. And usually something like that would leak out to the Media.

If his College Teammates, a bunch of 18-22 year olds, can accept him in their locker room, I don't see why his Professional Teammates can't accept him in theirs.

 

[wolfman40]

Good luck to him.

It shows a lot of courage, here in the UK not a lot of soccer players would openly come out for fear of abuse from the stands.

Hopefully we are now moving towards more enlightened times!

 

[BBGuy5240]

If this was a Female Prospect going into the WNBA kissing her Girlfriend the same way Sam and his Boyfriend were kissing, people would not be nearly as Negative.

Because Two Females Kissing, is more acceptable than Two Males kissing.

What his Haters don't understand is, the more Negativity you spew at him, the more this will be in the News.

I'm also seeing people trying to compare Sam to Tim Tebow. And are asking, "How come people got annoyed with Tebow?", "but are supportive of Sam?"

Here's the Difference, a highly religious player in Football, or any sport is nothing new. But an Openly Gay Current NFL Player is a First. NFL Players that have come out as being Gay, have come out after their Careers were over.

Plus Tebow was more "Out there" about it. I'm not saying Tebow is a Bad Guy though.

Since Sam announced he was Gay, leading up to the Draft, he hardly brought it up.

And the Reason Sam probably wanted to do it before the Draft was because, if he decided to come out while already in the NFL and on a Team, it would have been way more Controversial. He probably didn't want a Team thinking "Oh Great, now we're stuck with him". You don't just throw a Team a Curveball like this after they've signed you. This is something that a Team should know about you before you're on a Roster.

Sam has made it clear that he knows people are gonna be hesitant, resistant, and downright hateful. And he doesn't give Two-Shits about those people.

And who knows, there could've been other Gay players that were drafted, and you just don't know it yet.

 

[llllllll]

Well, I'm not a hater, or a bigot, as liberals would be so quick to label me, but it's inappropriate and unbelievably arrogant. The only people that his sexual preference should matter to are his potential sexual partners. How dare he use the platform of NCAA and NFL football, to promote what floats his boat? It's tasteless, selfish, and I pray he learns how to use some discretion in the future.

 

[maniactickler]

I suppose they will televise all the Rams games now. damn media has nothing better to do.

 

[primetime]

You know, honestly I don't care about Michael Sam and his coming out. Play football. If you're gay, fine, whatever. But I do take exception to the fact that Michael Sam is celebrated, and anyone who goes against it is punished.

Yet, Tim Tebow is as clean as you can get. He is everything you want to be the face of your franchise. Clean cut, nice, respectful, lives a clean life. His sin besides questionable quarterback skills? He talks about being Christian. How is it being Christian is so horrible and he should keep that to himself, but two dudes can kiss on TV and it is celebrated? Congrats Michael Sam, but why is Tebow persecuted? Just think about it....

 

[TicklerKoops]

Honestly, if he turns out to be a good football player, I hope people start to ignore the fact he is gay. I am personally tired about hearing about it. I go to a sports channel to talk/watch/hear just that, sports. I have always been the person who is tired about gay, religious, and racial issues in sports(Why I stopped watching First Take and Stephen A. Smith's jabbering mouth). The Donald Sterling issue has gotten weirder and weirder, the Tebow debacle became a mess and as much as I like him as a person, glad he is out of the NFL. It was not his fault he is out of a job, you can actually thank his cult-like following for that. And any chance they can bring race into the conversation, analysts just hound all over it, calling anyone who does not exactly agree with them or share their views, as a racist.

As for Michael Sam, I do not expect him to make the team. The Rams is probably the worst team that could have drafted him, quite honestly. That defensive line is LOADED and they have better rotational players than him. He is also not quick enough to be a situational pass-rushing LB. If he went on a terrible team that lacks depth on the line, or at linebacker, like the Jaguars or the Giants, respectively, I think he could have had a chance. If the Rams do cut him, look for a bad team to pick him up to just grab a few fans and get a little bit of camera time. Good teams avoid players that will bring a distraction to the field. Just like Tebow cause the Broncos, Sam will make fans boo and jeer at the Rams organization for not playing him more often or enough to satisfy them. He will be a victim of his own lifestyle, unfortunately, and it won't even be his fault. Which is very sad.

 

[luvgirlsfeet]

It doesn't bother me if he is gay or not he's playing a sport that he is great at and hope he has a long and healthy career

 

[tklbd]

It doesn't bother me if he is gay or not he's playing a sport that he is great at and hope he has a long and healthy career

^^I agree completely^^......................BUT....................................................

Unfortunately...as mentioned earlier...we're gonna have to put up with the media "stirring the pot"!!! I think they will cover it like a blanket...throughout off season work outs...mini camps...and then training camp!!! And if he makes the roster...then I'm sure the media will start to bring up..."what's the mood in the locker room" type of crap!!! OR.....if he gets cut.....then all the crap about..."was he cut because he's gay"?? Sorry folks...but we're in for a long "media storm"!!!

That's my two cents!!!

 

[Dandy Jack]

[to Billy] I know you are taking it in the teeth, but the first guy through the wall... he always gets bloody... always.

A quote from the movie Moneyball starring (Brad Pitt)

The St Louis Rams are a real shit team... They need anyone they can get!

Go Go Go Michael Sam! Hope ya make the team!

They need all the fans they can get... Poor Bradford... Great QB no line to block!

I make money betting for Floyd Mayweather to win and The St Louis Rams to lose.

They are both consistent.

Dandy Jack!

 

[BlackJacker]

Good for him, but i wish the media wouldn't get so excited on a person's sexual preference (did i use that right?) and just see it he becomes an asset or a liability for the team.

 

[BBGuy5240]

My only issue now is the Documentary on Oprah Channel.

That's something I would have turned down if I was him.

 

[BBGuy5240]

[to Billy] I know you are taking it in the teeth, but the first guy through the wall... he always gets bloody... always.

A quote from the movie Moneyball starring (Brad Pitt)

The St Louis Rams are a real shit team... They need anyone they can get!

Go Go Go Michael Sam! Hope ya make the team!

They need all the fans they can get... Poor Bradford... Great QB no line to block!

I make money betting for Floyd Mayweather to win and The St Louis Rams to lose.

They are both consistent.

Dandy Jack!

Well they Drafted Greg Robinson from Auburn to Solidify their O-Line (They need to thank Daniel Snyder a for that)

And with their 2nd First Round Pick, they drafted Aaron Donald from Pitt to solidify their Interior D-Line.

And they got a Steal with Running Back Tre Mason from Auburn.

I think they'll surprise some people.

 

[usgrant]

He should low profile it to some degree, he doesn't need the extra pressure in locker room.

 

[Dandy Jack]

Well they Drafted Greg Robinson from Auburn to Solidify their O-Line (They need to thank Daniel Snyder a for that)

And with their 2nd First Round Pick, they drafted Aaron Donald from Pitt to solidify their Interior D-Line.

And they got a Steal with Running Back Tre Mason from Auburn.

I think they'll surprise some people.

I sure hope the Rams surprise me... If they could make it to the playoffs...

that would be a miracle! Since the days of Kurt Warner they have not even been close.😎

Dandy Jack!

 

[BBGuy5240]

I sure hope the Rams surprise me... If they could make it to the playoffs...

that would be a miracle! Since the days of Kurt Warner they have not even been close.😎

Dandy Jack!

Well, they were close in 2010.

But that was when the NFC West, or back then it was called "NFC Worst" was the Worst Division in Pro Football. That's when in came down to a Week 17 Matchup with the Rams & Seahawks. When Seattle won the Game & Division with a Record of 7-9.

Robinson, Donald, & Mason were their Best Picks

I see Robinson, & Donald as Starters. And I see Tre Mason as a 3rd Down Back & Return Man.

And even if you take Micheal Sam out of the Equation, I still think the Rams overall had the Best Draft.

Again, Daniel Snyder won't have to buy a Drink in St Louis

I don't expect St Louis to resemble the Kurt Warner Rams, but I think they'll be in the Hunt.

When you think about recent High Powered Offenses, like the 98 Vikings, 99 Rams, 02 Raiders, 04 Colts, 07 Patriots, and of course the 2013 Broncos, the 99 Rams were the only team that actually finished the Job and won a Championship. Yeah in 2001 they lost, but I think the 99 Team was Better.

 

[magic fingers]

I think it's great the NFL drafted an openly gay player, and I don't care if he kisses his BF on camera. I mean if the guy can play, who cares what he does w/a consenting adult, whether it's man or woman.

What I don't like is this deal w/Oprah Winfrey doing a "Day in the Life" documentary about Michael Sam. I would really be p***ed if I was a Rams player,coach or fan.

Why?

Because professional atheletes especially NFL players are creatures of habit, and routine, and they don't need this distraction during training camp. The St. Louis coaches are evaluating new players, trying to get them into football shape, implementing new schemes and strategies, trying to decide who stays on the team, who gets cut, conducting scrimmages, coaching exhibition games. And the players themselves are working their butts off, rookies and new players trying to learn the playbook, while at the same time getting to know each other, and the coaching staff.
This "well-meaning" documentary interferes w/that. Hell, most coaches don't even like interacting the sports media, let alone the entertainment industry.
What Michael Sam and Oprah Winfrey are doing could affect the Rams entire season, and they're already in the toughest division in the NFL.

What I always hear from gay athelets, and homosexuals in general is they want to be treated the same, and have the same rights as everyone else, no better or worse, and that's the way it should be
But let me ask you this? When was the last time there was a documentary about a 7th round draft pick. Michael Sam's NOT being treated the same as everyone else, and it could negatively affect the Rams.

 

[magic fingers]

When you think about recent High Powered Offenses, like the 98 Vikings, 99Rams, 02 Raiders, 04 Colts, 07 Patriots, and of course the 2013 Broncos, the 99 Rams were the only team that actually finished the Job and won a Championship. Yeah in 2001 they lost, but I think the 99 Team was Better.

I'm not sure I agree w/that. That 2001 team was loaded, and if Mike Martz didn't outcoach himself in the Super Bowl, and just let Marshall Faulk carry the damn ball, I believe the Rams would've won, and it might not have been close(no offense to the Pats).
F***ing idiot, Mike Martz cost me $300 w/that SB loss, and I've hated him ever since!!!

 

[BBGuy5240]

I think it's great the NFL drafted an openly gay player, and I don't care if he kisses his BF on camera. I mean if the guy can play, who cares what he does w/a consenting adult, whether it's man or woman.

What I don't like is this deal w/Oprah Winfrey doing a "Day in the Life" documentary about Michael Sam. I would really be p***ed if I was a Rams player,coach or fan.

Why?

Because professional atheletes especially NFL players are creatures of habit, and routine, and they don't need this distraction during training camp. The St. Louis coaches are evaluating new players, trying to get them into football shape, implementing new schemes and strategies, trying to decide who stays on the team, who gets cut, conducting scrimmages, coaching exhibition games. And the players themselves are working their butts off, rookies and new players trying to learn the playbook, while at the same time getting to know each other, and the coaching staff.
This "well-meaning" documentary interferes w/that. Hell, most coaches don't even like interacting the sports media, let alone the entertainment industry.
What Michael Sam and Oprah Winfrey are doing could affect the Rams entire season, and they're already in the toughest division in the NFL.

What I always hear from gay athelets, and homosexuals in general is they want to be treated the same, and have the same rights as everyone else, no better or worse, and that's the way it should be
But let me ask you this? When was the last time there was a documentary about a 7th round draft pick. Michael Sam's NOT being treated the same as everyone else, and it could negatively affect the Rams.

Defiantly get what you're saying. The documentary's the only issue I have.

It was recently announced that it's been postponed indefinitely. I hope for Sams sake, it's doesn't come back. That's not what he needs. and it's not what the Rams Organization needs.

I think the key word in this Situation is "First". He's gonna be the "First" Openly Gay Current NFL Player.

NFL players that have come out, have done it after their Careers are over.

Or if you watch a documentary about a Past Player that is no longer alive, that's when it comes out. From say a Family Member or Friend.

 

[Tickle Fiend]

You know, honestly I don't care about Michael Sam and his coming out. Play football. If you're gay, fine, whatever. But I do take exception to the fact that Michael Sam is celebrated, and anyone who goes against it is punished.

Yet, Tim Tebow is as clean as you can get. He is everything you want to be the face of your franchise. Clean cut, nice, respectful, lives a clean life. His sin besides questionable quarterback skills? He talks about being Christian. How is it being Christian is so horrible and he should keep that to himself, but two dudes can kiss on TV and it is celebrated? Congrats Michael Sam, but why is Tebow persecuted? Just think about it....

You know what teams value more than being "clean cut, nice, respectful....?" Winning. Tim Tebow is not a winning NFL quaterback and never will be. He is a football player and not a minister. Some people take exception with Tebow constantly using the NFL platform to speak about his religion because we just don't want to hear that shit. Religion is a constant presence in our lives and Tim Tebow is not saying anything that hasn't been said before. His religious beliefs are a main reason he gets the attention he does/did. To claim that he is being persecuted is absolute nonsense.

 

[BBGuy5240]

You know what teams value more than being "clean cut, nice, respectful....?" Winning. Tim Tebow is not a winning NFL quaterback and never will be. He is a football player and not a minister. Some people take exception with Tebow constantly using the NFL platform to speak about his religion because we just don't want to hear that shit. Religion is a constant presence in our lives and Tim Tebow is not saying anything that hasn't been said before. His religious beliefs are a main reason he gets the attention he does/did. To claim that he is being persecuted is absolute nonsense.

It's not everyday I agree with a Cowboys Fan.

I'll use Kurt Warner as an example. He was a very Outspoken Christian throughout his entire (hopefully soon to be Hall Of Fame) Career, especially towards the end of it. Nobody told him to Pipe Down. And Warner even thought that Tebow should "Tone Down" the Religious Talk.

Jon Kitna was also very Outspoken. There was even some controversy because during his Career, he was fined for wearing a Hat to a Press Conference that had a Cross on it. And though the Fine was eventually negated, the fine had absolutely nothing to do with Religion. It was because it was a Non-NFL Apparel Cap. Players got fined for that all the time. If it was Non-NFL, the player got fined.

I like Tim Tebow, but he just can't play Quarterback. His 2011 Season in Denver was Fun to watch, he had some Bad Games, and some Good Games. That Wildcard Game against Pittsburgh even won me some Money, but Denver realized that they couldn't bank on that Offense to work in the long run. And look at the NFL right now, teams in general have backed away from the option.

As a Redskins Fan I'll tell ya, the Option will get your QB Killed.

 

[primetime]

You know what teams value more than being "clean cut, nice, respectful....?" Winning. Tim Tebow is not a winning NFL quaterback and never will be. He is a football player and not a minister. Some people take exception with Tebow constantly using the NFL platform to speak about his religion because we just don't want to hear that shit. Religion is a constant presence in our lives and Tim Tebow is not saying anything that hasn't been said before. His religious beliefs are a main reason he gets the attention he does/did. To claim that he is being persecuted is absolute nonsense.

And this is where you are wrong. Tim Tebow is a WINNING NFL quarterback. He started 16 NFL games (including two playoff games) and was 9-7. Remember when the Broncos started the 2012 season 1-4 and Tebow then stared? The Broncos went 7-4 made the playoffs, beat the Steelers and lost to the Pats. What are Tebow's statistics?

19 career TD passes, 9 career INTs, 12 rushing TDs. Keep this in mind Cowboy fan, Tebow has as many playoff wins as Tony Romo.

Back to the point, why was Tebow vilified? He was WINNING.

 

[BBGuy5240]

And this is where you are wrong. Tim Tebow is a WINNING NFL quarterback. He started 16 NFL games (including two playoff games) and was 9-7. Remember when the Broncos started the 2012 season 1-4 and Tebow then stared? The Broncos went 7-4 made the playoffs, beat the Steelers and lost to the Pats. What are Tebow's statistics?

19 career TD passes, 9 career INTs, 12 rushing TDs. Keep this in mind Cowboy fan, Tebow has as many playoff wins as Tony Romo.

Back to the point, why was Tebow vilified? He was WINNING.

I think the issue was more the Offense they were gonna have to run if they stuck with him. He doesn't fit in a Traditional Passing Offense, and Teams have figured out the Option Offense.

And an Opportunity came when Denver could get a Real QB (Peyton Manning), and they jumped on it. Was a Risky? Yes, for obvious reasons. But Peyton Manning (even coming off of his Injury) or Tim Tebow? Chances are I would go with Manning. And despite how this past season ended, it looks like they made the right choice going with Manning as the QB.

Tebow had his chance with the Jets, but they saw what Denver saw, he just can't play the position. Especially considering how bad Mark Sanchez was in 2012, they kept him as the Starter for the First 15 Games before changing starters, and they gave it to McElroy. Drew Stanton was originally the 2nd String QB behind Sanchez before Tebow joined the Jets. If Stanton was there instead of Tebow in 2012, Sanchez would have been Benched much earlier. Because while he's not a Great QB, he's more of a QB than Tebow. Now Tebow had some Rib Issues while with the Jets, but even if he was healthy, I think they would have given McElroy the Nod over him anyway.

Plus even if Tebow wasn't the Starter, all the Jets talked about was using him in the "Wildcat". And they didn't do much of that either. Because like the Option, Teams have figured out how to stop it. After the Dolphins Ran with it in 2008, the Wildcat has been near Non-Existent.

Tebow made more Appearances as a Punt Protector & Wide Receiver than at QB for the Jets.

 

[primetime]

I think the issue was more the Offense they were gonna have to run if they stuck with him. He doesn't fit in a Traditional Passing Offense, and Teams have figured out the Option Offense.

And an Opportunity came when Denver could get a Real QB (Peyton Manning), and they jumped on it. Was a Risky? Yes, for obvious reasons. But Peyton Manning (even coming off of his Injury) or Tim Tebow? Chances are I would go with Manning. And despite how this past season ended, it looks like they made the right choice going with Manning as the QB.

Tebow had his chance with the Jets, but they saw what Denver saw, he just can't play the position. Especially considering how bad Mark Sanchez was in 2012, they kept him as the Starter for the First 15 Games before changing starters, and they gave it to McElroy. Drew Stanton was originally the 2nd String QB behind Sanchez before Tebow joined the Jets. If Stanton was there instead of Tebow in 2012, Sanchez would have been Benched much earlier. Because while he's not a Great QB, he's more of a QB than Tebow. Now Tebow had some Rib Issues while with the Jets, but even if he was healthy, I think they would have given McElroy the Nod over him anyway.

Plus even if Tebow wasn't the Starter, all the Jets talked about was using him in the "Wildcat". And they didn't do much of that either. Because like the Option, Teams have figured out how to stop it. After the Dolphins Ran with it in 2008, the Wildcat has been near Non-Existent.

Tebow made more Appearances as a Punt Protector & Wide Receiver than at QB for the Jets.

But that is the thing, Tebow was never really given a chance to fail. But he was disliked and persecuted for his "Tebowing" and his open Christian stance. To say (Ticklefiend) Tebow should not use his position to talk about Christianity is ridiculous considering we are allowing a "gay" player to do whatever he wants in the media. You can't blast a gay player for kissing his boyfriend, but you can blast a guy talking about Christianity? Yeah, that's fair...