michael sam

[Hollyw00d]

First male openly gay prospect in American sports history. Projected to be a high second round, possible first round pick. So he will see playing time in the league, and be in an NFL locker room.

discuss

Edited February 10, 2014 by Hollyw00d

[OregonLAA]

I hope the Chargers can get him the 2nd round

[RallyMo]

Bravo, sir.

This takes guts on his part. It's a welcome step forward.

Edited February 10, 2014 by RallyMo

[Brandon]

Dudes a beast.

 

M.I.Z.- Z.O.U.

 

Props to him.

[Brandon]

Also, not sure how or why relevant, but ESPN just showed on the ticker that Jonathan Martin tweeted praise for Sam.

 

Nothing like a pre-emptive story.

[InsideThePark]

he obviously thinks his draft value won't take a hit coming out now. Maybe he's right.

[mancini79]

In the greater picture, his teammates at Missouri have known for a couple years. It's remarkable they banded together and kept that secret within the locker room. If college athletes can accept a gay teammate, then NFL players should follow suit.

[arch stanton]

He should do fine. Most who are involved with the NFL and have any influence will say they are cool with it whether they are or not.

 

I wonder if this will open up the floodgate for those already in the league.

[Caralho]

I'd like to be optimistic but take a look at this. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20140209/michael-sam-draft-stock/?eref=sihp

 

The contrast in courage between Sam and these executives commenting anonymously is quite large. I know only one team needs to have the balls to pick him but most teams say they don't want the "baggage" like being gay is comparable to the many misfits the NFL drafts every year.

[Adam]

As a casual fan, without a team, this will be interesting. 

 

I'm guessing teams will be polling their players to get their thoughts on this. Sucks, but at the end of the day execs, coaches, players are paid to win games. The ROI on drafting him has to be a +. Hopefully this works out for him. 

[Caralho]

They are paid to win games but I doubt any other mid round pick would require polling of the players. I would hope that any team that drafts him would just tell the coaches and players that if they don't like it, too damn bad because he can play. 

[Adam]

They are paid to win games but I doubt any other mid round pick would require polling of the players. I would hope that any team that drafts him would just tell the coaches and players that if they don't like it, too damn bad because he can play. 

 

I agree with you in spirit. In reality though, the potential for distraction and chemistry issues could be detrimental. I'm not as cynical though as the anonymous asshats in that article. I'd bet most players these days are fine with it. I think there will be plenty of suitors. Hopefully, some high profile players come out and support him. 

Edited February 10, 2014 by Adam

[Caralho]

There is definitely potential for distraction and chemistry issues but that's not Sam's fault. Another good point being brought up is that Missouri had a pretty good season and they knew the entire time, if a college team doesn't get distracted why should we expect that out of professionals? I think the players will be fine, it's the coaches and execs who might have a harder time. I will definitely be checking out the middle rounds of the draft now when before I wouldn't give a crap.

[Caralho]

I think it would be really funny if Sam after his first NFL sack pretends to hump the QB, can you imagine the reaction? I would be dying from laughter if he had the balls to do that. It would be even better if that QB was Tim Tebow.

[Adam]

Raider Nation would be a good spot for him. 

[nate]

Marcus Vick really is a gift that keeps on giving.

 

[Angel Oracle]

The sooner this country stops worrying about each other's sexual preference and focuses on the real issues (economy, gov't waste, and freedoms eroding), the better.

Thumbs up to Michael Sam

The only reason the Rams should not draft him is because we are already deep in the defensive front 7. We need OL and DB help in the early rounds.

Now if for some stupid reason no one drafted him through the 3rd round, then if I'm the Rams GM, I draft him anyway because they hopefully already drafted the necessary OL and DBs and then Sam would clearly be the best player remaining.

Edited February 10, 2014 by Angel Oracle

[OregonLAA]

I think Vick is defending him in a weird way. Maybe.

Also, I honestly think the best thing that could happen to him would be getting drafted by a team like the Chargers. Teo had almost zero attention because it's a small market team. I think it goes away if the right team drafts him

[Adam]

For Michael Sam's sake, I hope the Rams pass on him

[Hollyw00d]

Talking heads are sounding pretty pessimistic about it. They believe that he may be passed up in the draft because teams don't want the "distractions"

[St1ck]

It's a sausage fest in this thread. 

[nando714]

49'er lock

[Brandon]

49'er lock

 

Well, the other Mizzou player they have is a beast and distraction.

[Vegas Halo Fan]

Wouldn't mind Jacksonville picking him up, except that I could see "Fag Jag" signs popping up all over the NFL if it happens.

[Brandon]

I actually wanted to post this on the whole distraction aspect, but this looks better and funnier than how I would talk about the rest of the distractions in the NFL.

 

http://deadspin.com/john-stewart-rips-nflers-who-see-michael-sam-as-a-dist-1520584537?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebook&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow