The distraction feared for the team that would draft Michael Sam has made its arrival. This is uncharted territory, as there has never been an openly gay player drafted into the NFL, and we all get that. It has been somewhat overwhelming, as Michael Sam has drawn more attention to the Rams in one week than we saw in the entire 2013 season.
While most are supportive of Sam’s decision and excited about his future in the NFL, Sam and his handlers started the circus. Someone had to decide to let the cameras in on the draft day for Sam. Someone said, “Shoot the kiss”. Oprah’s OWN network had to talk to someone in Sam’s camp to get the green light for the so-called documentary, otherwise known as a reality show.
Orchestration? Sam and his handlers own part of this, if not all of it. I really thought Sam would lay low until he actually did something, like make the team. In most of this, the people involved are not football people. They are opportunists. They see a payday here, and it’s all in the pool now. Let’s not forget the home office. The NFL had their nose in this as well, as they apparently knew about what was going on with Sam and his involvement with OWN and HBO and their Hard Knocks series.
While it has the potential to be a marketing opportunity, one has to wonder how? How does a gay 7th round draft pick who has yet to make a regular season tackle become a marketing star? I am trying to think of a product that is associated with the gay community that is going to sell like hot cakes because Sam is now using it. It is not adding up.
Then there is the media, who in some cases cannot get out of their own way because of this story. They are the ones shaping this story and how it should be viewed. It has been reported that players started to complain about what was going on. Some have acknowledged privately that it’s a distraction already.
Love to know who said what, but no one owned it. Or did anyone ever say it? You see, concoction is the weapon of choice by those who report these events. as it is juicier than truth. How is it a distraction when the season has not even started? Where is the distraction here?
There are a number of new faces who are part of the decision-making process and that makes some uncomfortable, mainly because they are not football people. Media guys can get a little squeamish when this happens. I understand, because we have gotten away from football here and delved into someone’s personal life and the person at the center of this situation decided to let it happen.
For Michael Sam, it is time to be a leader. His leadership skills have been strong on the football field at Mizzou. It’s time to turn those same skills to his personal life. While some are obviously intrigued, I am not sure who really will care if he does not make the team. The Rams and the NFL have their hands full until there are games being played. Most would like to see Sam as part of that process.
Some things need to change though. Michael Sam wanted this, and now he will have to make sure his newfound attention does not hurt him. Sam needs to handle his football business and not allow so many others to handle his personal business. If the paths of personal and professional cross too much and his presence becomes counterproductive for the Rams, you can add “unemployed” to “gay” football player on Michael Sam’s resume. It is still a business, and it should be.
