Media outlets have flooded the University of Missouri campus over the past few days following perhaps one of the most bizarre stories in the history of the football program. On Sunday evening, Mizzou …
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How Did Sam Impact His NFL Future?
Posted
By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
Media outlets have flooded the University of Missouri campus over the past few days following perhaps one of the most bizarre stories in the history of the football program.On Sunday evening, Mizzou All-American defensive end Michael Sam made a public announcement regarding his sexuality.The Tigers’ most intimidating player made what may have been his most impacting move to date — off the field.Sam told the world he is gay.For many, it may have come as a shock.It was no surprise to myself, as I had known since October. Sam had come out to his teammates in August. Word made its way across campus and eventually I found out from friends who attend Mizzou.I really hadn’t given the situation much thought, because it’s clear Sam’s homosexuality does not hinder his ability to perform well on the gridiron. Any flamboyant or feminine traits that may be construed as identifiable with the gay population are certainly not evident while he is on the field.This topic has been analyzed from every angle, and quite frankly, the fact that every news outlet across the world finds it so interesting is intriguing in and of itself.There is major debate over how this announcement will impact Sam’s future in the NFL. The defining factor here is not that Sam is gay but that his potential future teammates and bosses know he is gay. It’s sort of that notion of “what we don’t know can’t hurt us.” Now a teammate that wouldn’t have thought twice about changing next to Sam in the locker room may have formulated a different opinion.That didn’t seem to present a problem at Mizzou, where Sam’s teammates supported his openness and were nondiscriminatory against him. In fact, he has praised the university for its response and the institution has done likewise for his boldness.I have heard plenty of interesting takes on this matter. One likely true suggestion is that there are probably gay or at least bisexual players on every NFL roster, but those individuals are too fearful to reveal their circumstance. It may be out of shame or worry over how colleagues respond. It’s a valid reasoning.Football has always been a man’s sport, gruff and masculine. Nothing about it screams gay, beyond males having physical contact, which is excused because of its aggressive intent. Furthermore, no one watching Sam unleash his fury on opposing offensive would assume he is gay.So what does this mean for Sam or for the NFL?Most likely some team decision-makers will be more hesitant about drafting Sam.While some players are revealed as rapists, thieves and have a history of drugs and alcohol abuse that alarm executives, Sam presented no reason for concern prior to his announcement. Now he will be placed in a unique category among players who could present a “distraction.”And it’s not about the problems Sam will bring directly to the team, as a player who say, kills a teammate in a drunk-driving incident might. It’s about the indirect issues that may arise from teammates or coaches who are uncomfortable to the point of reacting negatively to Sam’s homosexuality.While many may disagree with his homosexual lifestyle, will they accept him regardless?There’s a considerable chance that every NFL roster includes its share of adulterers or sinners of many different guilts that have chosen to continue that lifestyle. None of that behavior is right based on religious standards, but the majority of it is deemed excusable within an NFL franchise.In fact, unless it leads to violence or brings law enforcement into the picture, pretty much anything goes.By announcing to the world that he is gay, Sam definitely lined himself up for some nontraditional challenges. His initiation into the NFL will be analyzed and scrutinized and likely be uncomfortable at times.At the same time, I’m assuming he decided to make the announcement so that he could remove the emotional burden that would come with hiding his lifestyle. Given that he has chosen to accept his homosexuality, he removes himself from the awkwardness of people finding out gradually by circumstance.Most likely, his future teammates are going to judge him the same regardless of whether they already know he is gay or find out by chance. At least this way there is time for those who are most disturbed by the news to prepare themselves for a possible spot next to Sam on the field or in the locker room.NFL training camps are already grueling experiences for incoming rookies, and Sam may have just complicated his journey a little more.
Missouri All-American defensive end Michael Sam announced to the world that he is gay.
