http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26127936
In this unexpected article, a potential NFL draft pick, Michael Sam, comes out as gay and is subsequently praised by First Lady Michelle Obama. If Sam is drafted, he will be the first ever openly gay athlete in America's four major professional sports leagues (football, basketball, baseball and hockey). He officially came out during an interview with ESPN that aired on Sunday, stating, "If I work hard, if I make plays - that's all that should matter." Many have been extremely supportive, his former coach said of him, "He's taught a lot of people here first hand that it doesn't matter what your background is, or your personal orientation, we're all on the same team and we all support each other" and his teammates, fully aware of his sexuality, voted him their MVP of the year, but not everyone is as welcoming. Sports Illustrated quoted several (anonymous, of course) coaches and scouts who believed that Sam's coming out would have an adverse effect on his draft outlook writing that "In blunt terms, they project a significant drop in Sam's draft stock, a publicity circus and an NFL locker room culture not prepared to deal with an openly gay player." Fortunately, however, the NFL has said that they are supportive of Sam and look forward to welcoming him in 2014.
I'm not big into football, but I hope he makes in onto a team just to prove that being gay doesn't stand in the way of such things.
ReplyDeleteI really think that this guy's coming out is a very courageous thing. I hope that it can show other young kids who want to achieve great things that being gay isn't something to be ashamed of. I also hope it can help institutions like the NFL, who haven't really ever come in contact with the topic of homosexuality in their players, begin to understand and completely accept gay players.
ReplyDeleteAlthough his prospects as a national football player may have lessened, I'm sure he is an inspiration to a lot of male athletes who feel intimidated to come out by the idea of their teammates reactions. I find it exceptionally courageous and reassuring since although the sports associations may not immediately feel up to the idea of a gay player, America has responded in awe and appreciation towards him for the most part.
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