Comments on: Gay NFL Player Michael Sam Is Out!

By: Truthizz

Truthizz — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:02:52 +0000

Wed. 9-3-14

ESPN:
The Dallas Cowboys have signed Michael Sam, who is seeking to become the first openly gay athlete to play in the NFL, to their practice squad.

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett announced the signing Wednesday morning.

"We just want to give him a chance to come in and help our football team," Garrett said. "That's where our attention is [football]. What people say outside the organization is up to them." […..]

By: Truthizz

Truthizz — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 00:37:06 +0000

Sam does have heart (he showed that during the preseason) and Jerry Jones LOVES publicity.

This may be the only shot Sam gets to be on an NFL team's practice squad.

We shall see.

By: Random White Guy

Random White Guy — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 21:19:39 +0000

Dallas Cowboys are reporting they'll give him a shot on their practice squad. Probably won't make the team though.

By: Mr. BD

Mr. BD — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 16:23:56 +0000

I think you could be on to something Truth. If Michael Sam was already in the NFL and came out that would have been different. But he was a rookie who had never done anything yet but was already trying to prove a point. I'm all for equality and all that but it was a lot to take on all at once. Plus he did seem like he was rubbing a lot in the faces of those who weren't comfortable yet with seeing men kiss on TV. It's too bad but I think he's done too. It was too much too soon.

By: Truthizz

Truthizz — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:09:25 +0000

For all the reasons highlighted in DJ's post_ and other significant factors as well_ I'd say that Sam's prospects for playing in the NFL are now slim to none.

While some people want to lay most of the blame on ESPN (first for hyping him up and then focusing on his showering habits), I think the truth is a bit more complicated.

If anything, Sam used his sexual orientation to bolster his chances in the NFL draft -strange as that may seem. But my guess is he saw all the progress being made in our country on behalf of Equal Rights for LGBT populations and he took a calculated risk, thinking the timing was right. His plan backfired almost immediately when he dropped to a 7th-round (near last) pick of the draft.

The truth is, Sam is NO Jackie Robinson, in terms of skill-set and outstanding natural talent. AND he's small. Despite his good (not great) performance showing during pre-season games, it was always going to be an uphill climb for him.

Personally, I look forward to the day when a gay athlete of Jackie Robinson's professional and personal caliber does step forward to play in the NBA and NFL.