Michael Sam, a 24-year-old defensive lineman who won the Defensive Player of the Year award in the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference, revealed to the New York Times that he was gay.
“I knew that I was gay. And I knew that I was Michael Sam, who’s a Mizzou football player who happens to be gay,” he said.
Sam’s teammates already knew his sexual orientation, having come out to them a year ago during a team-building exercise.
“Once I became official to my teammates, I knew who I was,” he said. “I was so proud of myself, and I just didn’t care who knew. If someone on the street would have asked me, ‘Hey Mike, I heard you were gay, is that true?’ I would have said yes.”
The 6-foot-2, 260-pound Sam is expected to be chosen in the early rounds of the NFL Draft in May, potentially in the third round. He said he understand that his decision to come out ahead of the NFL Draft will potentially have an impact on his stock with NFL teams.
“I’m not naïve. I know this is a huge deal, and I know how important this is. But my role as of right now is to train for the combine and play in the NFL,” Sam said.
If he is drafted, Sam will become the first openly gay football player in the NFL.
In a statement, the NFL said they “admire Michael’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,” the league said.
Last year, NBA veteran Jason Collins announced that he was gay in an essay for Sports Illustrated. A free agent, he has not been signed by any team this season.
Another athlete, soccer player Robbie Rogers, also came out after retirement, although he has since returned to playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
