Predictably, Michael Sam was drafted, becoming the first openly gay athlete to be drafted by a major sports franchise in this country. After all, we are talking about the best defensive player, voted by the media, from the best conference in college football in the SEC. It took a while for it to happen, but Sam went in the seventh round – to none other than the St. Louis Rams.
Like any player who is drafted, there was joy and happiness in the Sam family and household. There were hugs and kisses among family members and loved ones. For Sam, the photo that people will remember is that of him kissing his partner. It was a wake-up call to those who have embraced Sam in his decision to come out as an openly gay person but may never have experienced that particular visual.
Some not-so-flattering tweets were sent out after “the kiss” by more than a few fans of the game. One Miami Dolphin player, Don Jones, expressed his dismay and dissatisfaction. The tweet was removed, and the Dolphins stated they intend to talk to the player. They may want to get a big room, as the issue is now truly on the table for all to really see and deal with.
When Sam made his announcement that he is gay, most applauded. Now that he has opened up his private life more, that one picture is truly worth a thousand words. The whispers have now become audible, as “the kiss” brought everyone into the reality of the situation.
And now the brakes are slowly being pumped by some who were not anticipating such an open show of gay affection. What were you expecting? Gay people obviously love people the way heterosexual people do. They know how to show the same affection as the straight couple down the street. Some thought that element would stay in the closet.
The issue will be how much of Michael Sam’s personal life should be covered? Is it really our business? Will we cover first-round pick Greg Robinson and his love life the same way?
I could care less who Sam or Robinson kiss. I would not have any rooting interest in either if they could not play football. Off the field, as long as they do not get themselves into legal woes, I could care less what they do. How about us getting back to seeing if Sam will make the Rams better? I will wait to see Sam when it counts, when he is wearing a real football uniform (you know, helmet pads and all that stuff), running into people and trying to win a job.
Still, there are many who are just not in tune with an openly gay pro athlete, no matter what they say. It took a long time for someone to come out in pro sports. It may take even longer for teams, players, fans and media to truly get it themselves and accept it for what it is.
Twilight zone
Sterling’s are in the Twilight Zone. No, not Rod Sterling but Donald Sterling.
He seems to be in a land of delusion, if not some form of science fiction, when it comes to his racist remarks that got him banned from the NBA. Sterling and his damage-control consultants tried to stop the bleeding by going on Anderson Cooper’s show in an attempt to make amends with America.
He asked for forgiveness as he claims it has been the “only mistake he has made in the 35 years he has owned the team.” At that point one has to wonder if he is all there, given his prior transgressions in his business dealings.
At 80 years old and being worth over a billion dollars, my advice to Sterling would be play out the string and just count your money. It beats being one of the minorities you refused to rent housing to or one of the ones you did not want coming to your games.
As for Sterling’s wife Rochelle, a reality show has to be considered here. Your husband’s “girlfriend” recorded the conversation that got you in this mess, and now you have decided to divorce? You now want half when you see the writing on the wall?
What about the initial statement she released distancing herself from her husband and supporting the actions of the commissioner? Now she says she is entitled to half. Half of what?
Rochelle Sterling has a short memory when it comes to treating people the right way, as she too was implicated in the discrimination lawsuit for her actions as well as comments. These two deserve each other.
Let’s hope the NBA can quickly move on. As for the potential legal wrangling that may take place, the NBA appears fully ready to give the Sterlings a bloody nose if needed. The league carefully thought this thing out and gone through the bylaws with respect to terminating their relationship with Sterling. In the end let’s hope justice will prevail for a change.
