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Michael Sam Says Coming Out ‘The Right Thing To Do’

By Evan Massey

Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys practice squad player Michael Sam watches warm ups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys practice squad player Michael Sam watches warm ups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rookie free agent defensive lineman Michael Sam said that coming out as gay was the right thing to do.

Michael Sam was perhaps the biggest story in the 2014 NFL offseason after coming out as gay prior to the NFL Draft. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams, and played a fairly solid preseason before ending up getting cut.

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Immediately after he was cut, the speculation began circulating that the Rams had cut him because he was gay and was bringing too much media attention. That definitely wasn’t the case according to those within the Rams organization, but that is something that they would be forced to say even if it was the biggest issue. The Dallas Cowboys then signed him, and he was cut soon after agreeing to that deal as well.

Despite all of the hardships that he has endured this season, Sam is still confident that he made the right decision by coming out before the draft.

“In that moment, I was like ‘I don’t care what happens. I made the right choice to come out.'”

Rams head coach Jeff Fisher also talked about coaching Sam, and rooting for him to play well enough to make the team.

“I will tell you this: I was pulling for Mike. I really was, and I don’t say that very often. Mike came in here and did everything we asked him to do.”

Unfortunately, the Rams were unable to keep him just because he was a hard worker and was the first ever openly gay NFL player. They had to do what was in the best interest of their franchise, and that involved cutting him and letting him sign elsewhere.

There are still quite a few that believe Sam was never given a fair shot, but he is keeping his head high and working hard for next year. He will find another team that is willing to sign him despite the media frenzy that comes with him. Even though he is gay, that will not keep him from getting another NFL contract.

Was some of the media coverage a bit over the top and offensive for some? Absolutely. Did he make the right decision for himself by coming out and being honest about his sexuality? No question about it.

Sometimes there is no way to keep everyone happy, but the only thing that matters is that he is happy with his life. He has endured quite a bit of criticism, but has also gained quite a bit of support in his young career. It will be very interesting to see what ends up happening with his football career this coming offseason, and who ends up giving him another chance.

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