Video After The Jump
Michael Sam became the first openly gay player in the National Football League when he was drafted in the seventh round by the St. Louis Rams on Saturday, May 10. Jeff Fisher, a highly respected coach made the decision to grab Sam with the 249th pick. Fisher is no nonsense and wouldn't have drated Sam if he didn't think he could help his team.
As a senior for Missouri, Sam was a first-team all-American and was named the Associated Press defensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference, after registering 11.5 sacks.
When the season was over the defensive end announced to the world what his teammates already knew, that he was gay.
When he finally got the call from the Rams there were only eight picks left in the draft. President Obama issued a statement congratulating Sam.
“The President congratulates Michael Sam, the Rams and the NFL for taking an important step forward in our Nation’s journey. From the playing field to the corporate boardroom, LGBT Americans prove everyday that you should be judged by what you do and not who you are.”
Almost overshadowing the pick was Sam's decision to kiss his boyfriend on live television and ESPN and the NFL Network replaying the footage over and over.
If Sam is to be accepted simply as a football player, which he has stated on numerous occasions, the media should focus on his accomplishments on the field instead of his sexuality. That's just my opinion as a sports fan. What he does off the field is not my concern.
Twitter reacted quickly to Sam's selection and the kiss.
ESPN... You serious right now?
— Case McCoy (@CaseMcCoy6) May 10, 2014RT @eleven8: If Michael Sam is a bottom and his boyfriend is white, he is self-hating.
— ?uesthate (@hexhatesu) May 10, 2014How every Man was looking at ESPN after Michael Sam Got Drafted & kissed his boyfriend...#WEWASNTREADY pic.twitter.com/2MHCsdVwQj
— Professor JT™ (@THEPROFESSOR_JT) May 10, 2014The knees of Michael Sam's boyfriend after he got drafted! pic.twitter.com/3aRxCDfXMK
— THE BEAST (@FauxVicBeasley) May 10, 2014They can show Michael Sam and his boyfriend kissing on tv and encourage it but when Tim Tebow spreads the word everyone turns their head.
— Kendrick Williams (@KingKDUB_23) May 10, 2014What do you think about Michael Sam getting drafted and his sexuality?
Michael Sam Reacts to Being Drafted by Rams
Michael Sam Kiss: St Louis Rams 2014 Drafted First Openly Gay Football Player
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