The following is a powerful piece about AP SEC defensive player of the year Michael Sam.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/10/sports/michael-sam-college-football-st...
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What a freakin boss. Kudos to the teammates for being supportive of him too.
Yeah good for him. Does anyone else find it a little odd, though, that the SEC defensive player of the year is projected so low in the draft? I know some players don't translate well between college and the NFL, but that's extreme.
http://www.outsports.com/2014/2/9/5396036/michael-sam-gay-football-playe...
also this from SI
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20140209/michael-...
Sounds sorta like Vince Hall - total stud in college, but just not quite what they're looking for in the pros. Still really hope someone finds a spot for him. If he slips down the draft, someone could end up with a stud who can rush the passer for cheap.
I always thought that Hall's injury before the bowl game set him back considerably and affected his stock. Maybe I remember that wrong though
He has the size - 6'2" 260lbs. I think that is what they are looking for in the pros. Vdot was only 5'11" at best- I was taller than he was when I would stand next to him.
i seem to recall another bad mother (shut yo mouth) DE coming out of college who had the same issue projecting in the NFL...
my issue it that it's not the player with the issue, it's the people projecting him. the colts took a chance on this guy:
and it worked out just fine.
The elephant in the room though is that our DT's, DE's and LB's all kind of fall in the "tweener" category because of the defensive scheme we use.
i see what you're saying, and i'm not trying to change the story of this thread, but i think the whole "tweener" thing comes more from the combine and "scouting" in general. a good football player is a good football player. play him in his best position and you will have made a good pick. high paid NFL scouts passed on Drew Brees, on Russell Wilson and on countless other people because of "measurables". don't get me wrong, measurables matter, but we have lost our way if they have become more important than film...
Oh I definitely agree with you
He is one impressive person, not just a football player. That takes alot of guts to do what he did in a football environment much less in the regular world, even today. Hopefully that does not do anything to his draft possibilities.
Major guts. Good for him. #allofthekudos
i think the biggest take away in all of this is that he came out in August (or there abouts) and *gasp*, his teammates didn't out him or treat him as an outsider...
the "problem" in the NFL won't be the players, it's the GMs and Owners. I hope this kid's the next Dwight Freeney!
I see where you're coming from. I saw a segment on ESPN with Herm Edwards discussing that tonight. He made the analogy of the media attention a player with off the field issues brings. He didn't insinuate Sam was a problem, but that it could be a possible distraction for his future team/organization.
While that may be true, owners and GMs still sign free agents who have had off the field issues. There's always an initial media barrage, which normally runs its course quickly. If he's good enough to get drafted, I hope a franchise with a strong GM and owner pick him, stand by him, and give him an opportunity to do his job.
i think a stable head coach is also a key piece to the puzzle. i could see Carroll or Harbaugh both being good coaches to deal with any potential media distraction/locker room issues. i'm sure there are others, but those 2 jump out at me.
I would think Pittsburgh, New Orleans, and New England would also be good.
New England only because everyone would refuse to answer any questions, under penalty of death by Belichick.
exactly. Belichick would make sure it is a non-issue
The players won't care, the owners and GM's wouldn't care from a football point. But the media will care, just like with Tim Tebow they'll shove this story down our throats until we're tired of it and tired of the player.
When dealing with younger coaches, I think he'll be fine. The problem is the old-school, hard ass guys who think that being gay is worse than being a criminal. If you want some insight into how some teams treat being gay, look at any of the Blair Walsh articles. The guy was one of the most consistent punters in the league and was basically forced out of the Lions after he openly supported gay marriage. Also, Kerry Rhodes was one of the best safeties in the league, but once it came out that he is gay, no team in the NFL would touch him. I want to believe that people in the league are going to be compassionate towards him, but I'm certainly not going to hold my breath.
EDIT: yeah I meant Chris Kluwe. Good catch from the guy responding.
Also, just look at Chris Kluwe. He was ousted from the Vikings for merely being outspoken about gay rights, not being gay himself (he's married with kids, fwiw).
No he wasn't, the media made it out to be that way because that's what they do. But my buddy who is a huge Vikings fan told me Kluwe hadn't been good for the last couple years and they were able to get a guy at the rookie minimum instead of paying the veterans minimum for Kluwe (best case for keeping him).
I'm not a Vikings fan, so I don't know the whole story. Maybe it is a little of both. I just find it hard to believe that they'd get rid of a guy who's been there for a while and who was serviceable (middle-of-the-NFL in yards and YPP, only 2 touchbacks his last year...) just to save the $300k or so difference between veterans and rookies.
I'm a Vikings fan, and he would probably have gotten cut regardless. He had been average at best and had a pretty terrible season the year we cut him so I believe it was more coincidental than anything else.
If you look into the Kluwe's lawsuit, you'll find that one of the pieces of evidence is that the coaches told him to deliberately kick it short because their punt team sucked so bad. Then, in the off season, they used his poor punting average as justification for cutting him. Pretty sure there are other people outside of Kluwe that can verify this too.
For what it's worth, here is his recollection of the happenings. I highly recommend reading.
http://deadspin.com/i-was-an-nfl-player-until-i-was-fired-by-two-cowards...
Biggest thing is that he what I would call a high-profile athlete, unlike guys like Jason Collins or the soccer player who recently came out. Takes even more courage to do that when you're on a bigger stage.
Robbie Rogers is the soccer player.
Very courageous individual and I hope he does well in the NFL.
This quote says it all to me. I watched a few Mizzou games this year and remember him being an outstanding football player. That fact is all that should matter for his professional aspirations. Now he's shown that he is also a courageous guy who has stated something publicly that might not have been popular among everyone around him. Kudos for him for having that strength and being a leader. Best of luck to Michael in the NFL. I hope he finds success among teammates who accept him for who is he and who appreciate his talents.
Best of luck to him. It takes a lot of courage to step up and admit that you are gay. I hope he dominates in the NFL and succeeds in wherever his life takes him.
Good for him. It takes courage to do what he did! Heard this morning that teams could be 'concerned' with the baggage that comes with it- honestly, the media creates the baggage. He will be accepted by whoever drafts him, and the wheels should keep on rolling. In a perfect world, no further comments or stories should come of this because in the end, it doesn't matter.
Agreed with everything said thus far. A lot of respect for him not only having the courage to say it, but put so much pressure on himself as well.
Some team will take him, and after the garbage sports media has their 2 weeks with the story, it really will just come down to his play. If he contributes on the field, the "locker room" will literally not give a hoot about whether he is gay, straight, bi, whatever.
If he is not able to get it done at the pro level, which unfortunately is also a reality for a lot of players, I would hope that his sexual orientation is not part of that narrative, although I still think there are enough bigots out there that it would be.
Best of luck to him. Hope he lands in a good situation for him to display his football talents, which he clearly has.
I think the most important thing out of all of this is that he can now be comfortable with who he is, without having to hide anything. That must be a huge weight off his shoulders.
But I hope like anything that he makes it into the NFL and succeeds at everything he tries to do. Too many guys get chances they may not deserve- this young man deserves the chance to succeed just as much as anyone else.
First, good for him. That took some major courage given the culture of football in America today.
Secondly, I'm really proud of how everyone here at TKP handled the news. I know homosexuality and homophobia are hot topics today and a lot of people are very strongly on one side or the other. It's refreshing to know that there are people out there who can look at this with an open mind. We shouldn't care about someones personal life. We're all human beings and we deserve the same treatment as anyone else regardless of sexual orientation, political allegiances, religious beliefs or skin color. I'm glad that everyone here at TKP approached this topic in a mature and civil fashion.
I hope M.Sam gets drafted and is given a fair opportunity to play. That would be a big move forward for the NFL, in my mind. I hope he does well and I'll be rooting for him.
I am looking forward to the day in which someone coming out like he did is not a national story. Please don't take this wrong...
And this is big news because? Nobody cared. Which is what he wanted in sure. From what I read and understood his team was like "Yeah, and??" Nice to hear that he wasn't cast out but we don't need to hear this all over. I don't know why the media treats homosexuality like its mainstream. I have no animosity for him at all but I do think his lifestyle is wrong. He should be accepted on the football field for his ability to perform and that's it. Who cares if he is gay. Why is this news? And for whatever reason we are now talking about it here.
I wouldn't say "the media treats homosexuality like it's mainstream," but yes, the media will and should report on someone who is courageous enough to be the first publicly admitted gay man playing football. Whether you agree or disagree with it doesn't matter, it's real, and it shouldn't just be ignored, because then you're just pretending it isn't real and hoping it'll go away.
It's a very big deal for a lot of people who feel like society believes who they are isn't real.
I don't think anyone thinks it isn't real. But who cares who he chooses to have sex with? He can do what he pleases. I'm not saying that he shouldn't have told his team if that's what he felt he needed to do but who cares if he is gay and plays football? Why is it news?
Bobby Petrino wants to know the same thing.
However that was a character issue as well since he was a public figure at the school and was cheating on his wife. NoBody cares except that he represented the school so his poor judgement reflects on the school. So not exactly the same at all.
I know it's not the same situation, but there are similarities.
One was cheating on his wife. The other prefers members of his own gender. Both are technically legal, though one probably violates a marriage contract. Both are also generally viewed negatively by society, however undeserved it is.
In any case, my main purpose was primarily to joke on Petrino, and secondly to play devil's advocate.
Well I did laugh.
IMO, the problem with Bobby Petrino was that he was sleeping with an intern working under him. Definitely an HR issue.
Ha... haha...
I'll see myself out.
I see what you did there!
It's news for many reasons. He's the first active player to come out in America's most popular sport. He's setting a precedent in sports that it's ok to be openly gay and not have to hide it. It's a sign that times/opinions/perceptions are changing on the whole gay thing. There's other reasons but those should be able to get the point across as to why it's news.
You may not think it's a big deal yourself, but to say you don't understand why it's big news is kind of naive on your part. This is bigger than sports.
For perspective, my sister is gay, hates football and this made her cry tears of joy. It's pretty big man.
I disagree with you on this. His sexual preference should in no way be considered "news". I applaud his courage and hope others eyes are opened because of it but should not be mainstream news. To be completely honest he shouldn't even have to "Come out" to his team. This is who he is and in my opinion is none of their damn business.
The biggest problem with this is I heard people saying yesterday that this guy will be on the same level as Jackie Robinson. If anyone is stupid enough to believe that they should be castrated.
While its not the same level as Robinson, I don't agree with you that people that feel that strongly about it are "stupid". Its amazing when you watch the civil rights struggles being had right now by homosexual people, that a lot of the arguments used against them are the same that were once used against minorities in this country. And now the only people that look "stupid" are the bigots.
And lets not even get into the fact that there are still a number of countries where you can be put to death for being gay. DEATH.
If this guy can successfully integrate into the NFL as an openly gay player, I think it would be a very big deal. I also wouldn't be that surprised if a lot of current players don't start coming out if that happens.
Well...its not like Jackie Robinson had to come out and announce to his team that he was African American...it was no secret obviously.
No, this should not make Sam like Jackie Robinson.
I do think he was pretty brave, but honestly, I don't want to hear about the sexuality of athletes.
I just want to watch football...
This will be the first and last time I ever post a link of a Total Frat Move article on TKP, but this article deserves it.
http://totalfratmove.com/thoughts-on-sec-defensive-player-of-the-year-mi...
Why does it feel that a lot of athletes and celebrities have to put out some sort of a press conference whenever they "come out"? I get it's a big deal to them and their close friends and fam but what does that really change? As long as this player doesn't try distracting drama with the team and organization I don't see the big deal.
Because as mentioned before, if they don't, there's just endless media speculation and rampant rumors about the subject. Why just have information "leaked" and distributed from "sources" when you can have a press conference, and know that the information and video that will follow is coming straight from the source?
I dunno. I mean I get what you're saying and all, but doesn't that sort of take away from the player and his purpose for going pro and his accomplishments? Seems like it.
Maybe if he was using his new-found "celebrity" it would seem like it was taking away from the player. But he just announced it, did an interview, and that was it.
I don't think in any way, shape, or form him trying to prevent the spread of rumors is "taking away from the player".
I certainly don't think his reason for going pro is so he can be the first openly gay NFL player. I doubt very much it will be an enjoyable aspect of his career.
And I doubt any of his accomplishments will have an asterisk next to them saying "This man is homosexual."
So no, I don't think so. I think he just decided it was time for someone to finally open the path for other homosexual men to feel comfortable with being who they are in the NFL, and he was courageous enough to be that first person.
I dunno. I guess it's a matter of the viewers perception. I sure hope it won't. At any rate Robinson did it first.
I totally agree with this. I saw it as more of a "rip the band-aid off quickly" situation. He'd rather get it out there than have rumors and gossip following him his entire career as people and #sources speculate about his personal life. Now it's out there, it's been addressed and he can move on with his life.
This whole thing is a big bag of nothingburgers to me.
I literally could not care less about this man's, or any other person's, sexual preferences. That said... I ought to at least toss my 2 cents into the kitty.
I would imagine, based on the prevailing media habit of sanctifying all things homosexual, very nearly every single one of his accomplishments as a football player will be joined with a mention of how he was "the first openly homosexual blah blah blah blah blaaaahhhhhh."
Seriously, I just want to watch football. I don't care what you do in your bedroom. That's what I pays my money for. Football.
In no particular order I cheer for big legal hits, bulldozing runs, circus touchdowns, cheerleaders, 2-0 defensive battles, 55-0 beatdowns, cheerleaders, zebras getting too close to the action and going ass-over-teakettle, interceptions, long field goals and cheerleaders.
I am really tired of being told by the Media from its pulpet that if I don't already, I should really consider actively cheering for another homosexual coming out of the closet.
This is about all I can muster:
I'm cynical, I know. And certainly many people who have no idea of what the word actually means, much less how it may or may not apply might call me a homophobe based on my lack of excitement for another homosexual outing him or her self very publicly, and on my heartfelt wish that people would just shut the hell up already about any aspect of their sexuality.
Finally, and with all due respect, get off my lawn.
In fact, if it bothers you so much then you probably should root for more NFL players to come out as homosexual. It would make it not as much of a big deal then if only one person does it.
So you'd have your wish.
Being that I just like to screw around I simply cannot withhold myself from taking a couple things you say out of context. Be aware though that I am doing this completely for shits and laughter and not to bash you because I respect what you (and everyone else on here) has said. So, here goes:
And
That is all.
That might be the case if he was a more marginal player looking for some publicity or something.
The fact is this guy is pegged as a Day 2 talent, and was SEC Defensive player of the year. NFL teams know who he is. I am sure his purpose for going pro is to continue developing his football talents and make money. As mentioned, I doubt very much that being a gay player in today's NFL will be all that pleasant for him.
The best part of this is how mad you know it's making Fred Phelps.
he makes great points (as usual)..that last one stings a little..
Wow, this is a disheartening article:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20140211/michael-...
The SEC sucks, man. Especially that crap about April 16th... oof.
The ACC was all over our recruits in every sport that year. Word at the time was that Gary Williams was on the phone with Gus Gilchrist the day of the shooting telling him not to come to VT. Unsurprisingly, within a week, he was a decommit, and very soon thereafter a Maryland signee.
That's easily one of the most infuriating things I've read recently. Let's all just not associate with South Koreans for that reason. Yeah, that's a good idea, right? The fact that people would take that (which has made VT and Hokie Nation one of the most unique and special communities on the planet) or even the support of the Mizzou community and spin it so negatively is absolutely outrageous. If a recruiter tried that crap on me, I'd know immediately I didn't want to play for such a crappy human being.
A non football related angle, and I'm sure all gay people have to deal with this to some degree, but apparently his father is struggling with this. Not only his son being gay but the fact that there's a gay NFL player, from the article: "He told the newspaper that late Hall of Famer Deacon Jones, the leader of the Rams' Fearsome Foursome who is credited with terming the word sack, "is turning over in his grave."
I mean I guess give the guy some time but it's sad people would still think that way.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2014/story/_/id/10439397/father-michael-sam-...
I don't understand why it's sad that he thinks that way? He may just not support a homosexual lifestyle, does that make his mindset any more or less correct?