ESPN apologizes for report on Michael Sam’s showering habits

Aug 23, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Michael Sam (96) during warm ups before the game against the St. Louis Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Michael Sam (96) during warm ups before the game against the St. Louis Rams at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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ESPN and Josina Anderson reported on the showering habits of St. Louis Rams defensive end Michael Sam over the weekend. Sam is trying to make the Rams final 53-man roster and is the first openly gay athlete in NFL history.

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In it she reported that some Rams players, some unnamed, said Sam was showering alone to respect their space.

"“Another Rams defensive player told me that ‘Sam is respecting our space’ and that, from his perspective, he seems to think that Michael Sam is kind of waiting to take a shower, as not to make his teammates feel uncomfortable.”"

The report brought a lot of criticism, including that of Cyd Zeigler of OutSports.com. It resulted in ESPN issuing a statement to apologize for the report.

“ESPN regrets the manner in which we presented our report,” ESPN said in a statement. “Clearly yesterday we collectively failed to meet the standards we have set in reporting on LGBT-related topics in sports.”

Defensive end Chris Long might have had the best response.

If you missed it you can watch it below: