(CelebNMusic247-News) Missouri Defensive End Michael Sam Announces He’s Gay
First off, we want to congratulate and commend Missouri All-American defensive end Michael Sam, who publicly acknowledged that he is gay on Sunday.
Michael Sam is the FIRST openly gay NFL player. He took to twitter yesterday to thank all his supporters:
I want to thank everybody for their support and encouragement,especially @espn, @nytimes and @nfl. I am proud to tell my story to the world!
— Michael Sam (@MikeSamFootball) February 10, 2014
Want to give an additional thanks to my supportive family and team @HowardBragman @EmpireAthletes @camRONweiss @JoeBarkett — Michael Sam (@MikeSamFootball) February 10, 2014
Wouldn’t be anywhere without the support of my teammates and #mizzounation @Fe_Verdadera2 @CantStop_94 — Michael Sam (@MikeSamFootball) February 10, 2014
Many thanks to the NFL players & legends who vocally supported me @JeromeBettis36 & @DeionSanders were kinda special for me, not gonna lie!
— Michael Sam (@MikeSamFootball) February 10, 2014
Sam spoke with ESPN, said his teammates and coaches at Missouri have known since August, which was posted in The New York Times and Outsports.
The 255-pound Sam participated in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., last month after leading the SEC in sacks (11.5) and tackles for loss (19), and he is projected to be a mid-round NFL draft pick this coming May, said:
“I am an openly, proud gay man.”
“It’s a big deal. No one has done this before. And it’s kind of a nervous process, but I know what I want to be … I want to be a football player in the NFL.”
The NFL said in statement.
“We admire Michael Sam’s honesty and courage.”
“Michael is a football player. Any player with ability and determination can succeed in the NFL. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014.”
Listen to Michael Sam interview with the New York Times – He wants to “OWN his TRUTH”:
There have been numerous NFL players who have come out after their playing days, including Kwame Harris and Dave Kopay.
Last year, NBA player Jason Collins announced he was gay after the season. Collins, a 35-year-old backup center, was a free agent and has not signed with a new team this season. MLS star and U.S. national team player Robbie Rogers also came out a year ago.
While Division III Willamette kicker Conner Mertens, a redshirt freshman, said last month he was bisexual.
Hats off to all the men who have come out in sports. – It’s hard to be you when people want you to be someone your not. Congratulation to you all. Hats Off!
