Rams coach Jeff Fisher says Michael Sam wasn’t a distraction
By Dan Zinski
Michael Sam is no longer a part of the St. Louis Rams organization, but the Michael Sam questions are still coming for Rams coach Jeff Fisher.
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In a conference call with Minneapolis media Wednesday morning, Fisher addressed the former Rams draft pick who has since reportedly moved on to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad.
Specifically, Fisher talked about whether Sam’s presence caused any distractions (via Minneapolis Star-Tribune):
"“It wasn’t a distraction at all,” he said. “On draft day, obviously, there was a lot going on. But [he] was just another guy, just another player. There may be some attention given if someone gives him an opportunity. But beyond that … I heard [signing] with the Cowboys was a possibility. If he does, then he will be treated, after things settle, no different than any other practice squad player.”"
Former NFL coach Tony Dungy made waves when he said he wouldn’t have drafted Sam because of the distraction that would come with him, but Fisher’s remarks shoot down the notion that Sam’s presence caused undue problems for him or his players.
Apparently, the Rams were able to focus on training camp and preseason just fine, even with the openly-gay Sam being around. They had no particular issue with the media asking them a bunch of questions about Sam’s showering habits and other silly things.
And if Sam represented even the slightest distraction, that is no longer the Rams’ problem, as they elected to move on from him when cutting their roster down to 53.
Memo to the media, you may now address your Michael Sam-related questions to the Dallas Cowboys. Be careful you don’t cause too much of a distraction. Not that Jerry Jones ever minded a little extra publicity.