The NFL's First Openly Gay Player's Future in Question

original article: http://www.ibtimes.com/michael-sam-drafted-will-first-openly-gay-nfl-player-make-st-louis-rams-roster-1584806

Several months ago, just before the NFL draft, Michael Sams came out with the news that he was homosexual. Since then, a lot of controversy has gone on with the media and NFL teams. According to polls, there have been players on teams that have claimed they would be uncomfortable with having a gay individual in the locker room. Some say this kept the player from being drafted in the earlier rounds, as he was eventually drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the draft. Recent reports claim that Sams might not even make it to the roster. The St Louis Rams reported that Sams would have to try out for the team along with all the other drafted players, and that he will have to work hard in order to make the team. The article also notes that the odds are not in Sams’ favour, as statistics show that only about half of all players are a part of the team roster in week one of regular season play.

The controversy that was raised over a player coming out has been little but excessive. At first, I thought the player would gain support by declaring he was homosexual right before the draft. However, media reports a great deal of controversy over this matter. It makes sense that the player would have to try out for the team along with the other rookies and will not receive special treatment due to his media attention. Many players have claimed they would be uncomfortable with a homosexual individual present in the locker rooms, while fans have been even more blunt in their dislike for Sams. Last year, Michael Collins became the first openly gay NBA player. Although the player did receive some hate from angry fans, the response was generally supportive. Michael Sams has received mostly hateful comments from disrespectful fans, who seem to be quite homophobic. At this day and age, with an increasing number of states legalizing gay marriage, II would expect people to be more tolerant of differing sexualities. Unfortunately, the matter shows how slow many people are in adjusting to the social progress our society is making.