So, this is the week that Michael Sam was meant to begin his NFL Regular Season career with the St. Louis Rams, only to be dropped by them at the very last minute. Was it the first NFL gay kiss? The constant media attention? or simply did they think that last year’s SEC Defensive Linesman of the year was not up to the task of making the grade in the NFL? – We will never know that answer to these questions …
In his latest comment column Chris Morgan draws on his own experiences as an openly gay elite athlete and gives a unique insight into the challenges that confront Michael Sam as he faces the prospect of St, Louis Rams first regular season NFL game on 7th September – Starting without him!
Here’s some quoted extracts from the article ...
“Early predictions were for Michael Sam to be drafted in the 3rd or 4th round of the NFL Draft during the close season. As time wore on Michael would have become more nervous about whether he would be drafted at all and who he would end up playing for. As history now states he was drafted in the seventh round of the NFL Draft” …
“So, imagine the shock and horror this week after taking the huge step of signing the first gay player in NFL History, the Rams have suddenly decided to cut him from their regular season roster. Early opinion has suggested that the NFL was not ready for the press attention that he was bringing, whilst others have questioned his ability”…
“As an openly gay elite athlete I have faced many setbacks in my own career both within my sport and in regards to sponsorship. I’m certain that this setback will strengthen Michaels resolve to succeed should another NFL franchise come in for him, to offer him the chance that he deserves”…
Read the Gay Star News version of the article here http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/nfl-being-homophobic-its-treatment-michael-sam030914
Or view the Sports & Equality column here www.chunkymuscle.com/?page_id=152
To see Michael Sam in action visit you can his website www.michaelsam.com
Chris Morgan is a seven time World Champion in Powerlifting and a Global Ambassador for the Federation of Gay Games. The next Gay Games are scheduled to take place in Paris in 2018. For more information about the Gay Games visit www.gaygames.com and www.paris2018.com