Now that the Michael Sam experience is over (at least for St. Louis), there are still questions.
As I mentioned from the outset, Michael Sam’s sexual preference was no big deal to me. I am not sure if his love interest had anything to do with his ability to play football, but most of the gawkers who found this to be must-watch and must-read would not let it go.
Did Michael Sam get a fair shot with the Rams? The answer is yes. The Rams treated Sam fairly and supported his quest to play pro football.
The overexposure had to be reeled in a bit, as it culminated with one of the most egregious acts ever committed by a media member when ESPN’s Josina Anderson thought it was a good idea to inquire about Sam’s showering habits with his teammates. She went as far as to report it and used the excuse that her bosses wanted her to do it.
After the backlash, ESPN again went to apologize for their actions. No word yet on whether anyone on the inside was reprimanded for such a stupid act. As for Anderson, she should know better, but some will do anything to keep a job.
Michael Sam was drafted by a team loaded with pass rushers before he hit town. He found himself in a battle for the final roster spot with a player who was more versatile in being able to play all of the defensive line positions. He was bigger and more versatile than Sam, and that is what won out.
Sam also found himself limited, as he was not used on special teams. When it came to his sack total of three for the pre-season, Sam was in games late playing against players like he himself who are now unemployed. In short, Sam dominated inferior competition on most plays and was on a team that just did not have enough room. The Rams were so deep at that position they felt there was not a need to carry Sam on the practice squad.
Of the players who were cut and move to the practice squads of other teams, one defensive player who played the same position as Michael Sam was signed. The numbers game caught up to Michael Sam and his quest to play pro football for the Rams. There is a large group of players today who share his hurt.
Now sources say the Dallas Cowboys intend to sign him to their practice squad, the source said. According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys spent Tuesday calling several players and gauging their reactions to signing Sam, and apparently, no one had a problem.
The Cowboys now have 10 players on the practice squad, meaning they would have to release one to make room for Sam. Versatility will come into play. The distraction factor will also rear its head. While some will not readily admit it, the regular season when games count is far more serious than off-season training, training camp and meaningless pre-season games. The way the Michael Sam media frenzy turned off many over the last few months, it will be risky to venture down this path now that they are playing for keeps.
So what is next for Michael Sam? He will continue to work out and focus on football and how he can be a better player. The coming-out thing will always follow him, and he chose to do it that way and good for him. The pushback will continue to be two things. Can he really play in the NFL, and is it worth the distraction that it became in St. Louis?
The team and the players handled it well and they should be commended, but there were reasons Sam was taken late in the draft: his skill level and the potential distraction he may cause.
There are lessons to be learned by all in this situation. The NFL is more homophobic than they are willing to admit. The media, especially ESPN, really fumbled in how this story was covered. Sam needs better advisors who have his best interest in mind, instead of trying to turn this into a 15-minute-of-fame bonanza.
Sam also needs to be a better football player. That will be the biggest question, as he has had ample time to improve his skill set since his last college game, when he was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year. So much for awards, and what they mean for the next level.
While it is not time to give up on Sam and his desire to play in the NFL, he is not alone in this quest, as there are many men around the country who met with the same fate and yet their story is not the lead on ESPN. Football is a tough and, at times, unfair job.
For Sam, it is time for him to huddle up and come up with a new game plan on how he plans to play on Sundays. He, like all players in his position, should also explore what other options are available to him should pro football not work out. There is no need for writing the book and turning it into a movie, because the ending is now incomplete.
