The Michael Sam Debate

In light of Michael Sam getting drafted on Saturday:

I have heard a lot of folks giving time this morning to the fact that Michael Sam's announcement concerning his sexuality hurt his draft stock.  There have apparently been some ought there who thought that he was drafted so late in this years draft not because of his NFL potential on the field, but because of the potential distraction that he might be off the field.  However, for the last few weeks, I have heard nothing but negative things about his play ever since his poor combine results.  Most draft "experts" had him somewhere between the sixth and seventh round of this years draft, which is where he went.  He went in the seventh round, eight picks from the end of the draft.

The question now becomes what happens next.  Sam, like every other NFL player, will be brought into mini-camp.  Sam, like most NFL players, won't have any guaranteed money coming to him if he is cut.  Sam, like most NFL rookies and guys in their first few years, will struggle just to make an NFL roster.  However, unlike every other NFL rookie, their will be a lot of attention paid to Sam's status on the Rams roster.

From a football perspective, the Rams have one of the best defenses in the NFL.  In particular, their defensive line is their strength.  They have three All-Pro caliber guys, and added a potential fourth one int he first round of this years draft when they selected Aaron Donald out of the University of Pittsburgh.  There is a chance that Michael Sam might not be good enough to make the roster with the Rams.  The question then becomes, what is the reaction?  Will the reaction be the same that we find every time a player gets cut in the NFL?  Most folks don't even pay attention to a player who hardly even sees the field gets cut.  Or, will the sentiment displayed be one of hatred.  Will the folks who applauded Sam's announcement and the Ram's selecting of him then turn their hatred on the Ram's and their coaching staff for cutting him.  If the goal is to have equality and for Michael Sam to be treated like every other NFL player, then getting cut when you're not good enough is part of it.

I certainly don't agree with Sam's lifestyle.  However, I don't have any qualms with him making a living using his natural talents and abilities.  If he's good enough to make the roster, then he should be on the team.  If he's one of the best in the league, then he should be a Pro-Bowler.  If he's one of the greatest of all-time, then he should go into the Hall of Fame.  Obviously the Hall of Fame isn't even a thought right now.  Sam is just trying to make the St. Louis Rams roster.  I'm simply pointing out that whatever his abilities on the football field allow him to do, then he should be able to do it.

As for Sam's lifestyle, I'm against it.  For Michael Sam as a person, I hope he succeeds.  For Sam's cause, I'm really indifferent about it.  I hope that a person's race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other factor wouldn't prevent them from making a living, as long as there is no religious or cultural conflict.  Last I checked, the NFL has a morals clause, but not a religious-affiliations clause.

Despite all of the possibilities, the thought still lingers in the back of my mind, "What if he gets cut?  Will this stance/cause that is supposed to built upon showing unconditional love become something that shows us only hate."  I guess only time will tell.