NFL networks coverage of Michael Sam

[MaineMoxie]

If he can announce to the world that he enjoys anal sex with men? Then is it cool for a straight guy to announce to the world that he enjoys anal sex with women? If so, where is our parade? I know that I am not alone here. Will male athletes be misunderstood if they admit to such a thing at a press conference? Will Mike Mayock speak of the need for dialogue on the issue? Should we keep some things private? Are we ready for a women's feet float in the Thanksgiving Day Parade?

 

I think we need a parade for homophobic idiots.

[Overseas Bills Fan]

Like all draft picks. . .good luck, kid. NFL means Not For Long. I hope you're a success. With that said. . .I'm tired of homophobes. Now, moving on.

[Drop Kick Flutie]

Maybe but maybe most teams didn't want the circus that follows

DE Jackson Jeffcoat Big XII DPOY didn't get drafted, he has credentials just as good as Sam but isn't gay.

[boyst]

how many kids before sam were drafted and got a congratulations from the POTUS?

I don't know if that is a reflection of our society, if that is a reflection of the significance of Sam or if it is a reflection of Obama. I am not going to let this be any more political then it is, but Obama had no reason to make any comment about the NFL draft and society has no business caring who Michael Sam chooses to have relations with.

[SBUffalo]

but Obama had no reason to make any comment about the NFL draft and society has no business caring who Michael Sam chooses to have relations with.

 

This is such a lame and lazy way to view things. It's a weak attempt at being "tolerant."

 

It gets said a lot. The person saying it either believes, or wants those reading it to believe, that they actually support equality for gays, but you don't. It's not that supporters care that he's gay, it's that we know it's important. The people caring about his sexuality are those who are against him. The others who care about the situation care about the significance of this moment. It's a huge moment, no doubt.

[boyst]

This is such a lame and lazy way to view things. It's a weak attempt at being "tolerant."

 

It gets said a lot. The person saying it either believes, or wants those reading it to believe, that they actually support equality for gays, but you don't. It's not that supporters care that he's gay, it's that we know it's important. The people caring about his sexuality are those who are against him. The others who care about the situation care about the significance of this moment. It's a huge moment, no doubt.

why? why is it a huge moment?

 

landing on the moon was a huge moment

putting bacon on a cheeseburger was a huge moment

the beattles on late night was a huge moment

 

this is not a huge moment. this changes nothing in life, this changes nothing in society and if anything will only polarize the issues for many many millions of people who are offended by the simplicity of such a simple issue gaining such popularity in this country when it has no significance. it is a waste of a headline. it is news worthy but nothing of significance.

[KOKBILLS]

This is why no team wants to pick him!!!! Just shut up about it and let it go!!!! No one cares that he is gay!!!!

 

I really...I mean really like Rich Eisen normally...But I felt that last hour or more (it seemed like an eternity) of the Draft commentary was an effort by Rich, and the NFL Network, to get on the good side of what they figured was sure to turn into a public relations nightmare...Especially if Sam went undrafted...You could literally see Mike Mayock's frustration with having to have this lengthy conversation about Sam instead of talking about the players who were being Drafted...I could feel the negative energy...They pretty much glossed over the entire 7th round with the talk of Sam...And they had touched on it so often leading up to that I had memorized that comparison chart they kept using by the end of the 4th round...Everyone who really follows the Draft and NFL football, especially including the guys on that stage, knew there was a very good chance Sam would go undrafted...His measureables were terrible...His drills were worse...Sometimes great College players don't make it in the NFL with awesome measurables...Sam was a good College player with a slow 40 time, a laughable vertical, and he only did 17 reps...What exactly are NFL teams supposed to do? Draft him out of pity?

 

I really do wish Sam the best...He was a good College player...But the attention he drew to himself in this case certainly did not help when he was unable to back-up his potential with raw numbers...He's likely going to get handled by NFL linemen...It's a massive step up for special players...There is at least some discussion about a player like Clowney and how good he will be in the NFL...And Clowney is freaking Zeus compared to Sam...And what was with the Trent Cole comparisons by Jeremiah? Cole ran a 4.70 at his Pro Day and had a 38" vertical...Cole is obviously a much better natural athlete than Sam...And Cole has 79 career sacks in the NFL...I felt that was further pumping up Sam's potential unrealistically...

 

Whatever...That was literally the worst couple hours of NFL Draft coverage I've watched in over 25 years of being glued to every minute of the NFL Draft...It was painful...

Edited May 11, 2014 by KOKBILLS

[IDBillzFan]

The only people who give a crap about this are people who somehow think not giving a crap about it makes you a homophobe.

 

Most people simply don't give a crap. But it doesn't matter. Because like it or not, you will be made to give a crap.

[KOKBILLS]

The only people who give a crap about this are people who somehow think not giving a crap about it makes you a homophobe.

 

Most people simply don't give a crap. But it doesn't matter. Because like it or not, you will be made to give a crap.

 

Well said as always...

[Bills Fan since '64]

Kudos to Mike Mayock for treating this like a football story.

 

The Rams will be faced with a big problem if Sam isn't good enough to make the team. Just look at all the noise about Jason Campbell whom nobody took because he couldn't really contribute any more. Glad the Bills didn't fall into that trap.

 

What do you want to bet that the Rams are featured on Hard Knocks this year?

[Kirby Jackson]

 

Since being a SEC Defensive Player of the Year and being the SEC sack leader have nothing to do with each other, I would bet not.

Jason White & Eric Crouch won Heisman

Trophies. What kind of pros did they make? The reality is that Sam is a tweener with poor athletic ability. He wasn't held back because he was gay; he was held back because he doesn't project well at the next level.

 

With that being said anybody not rooting for this kid needs to look in the mirror. He has overcome more in his life at 20 something than most people will encounter in 5 lifetimes. In addition, he was brave enough to come forward and pave the way for others to be themselves. Good luck to Michael Sam; I'm rooting for you!

Edited May 11, 2014 by Kirby Jackson

[billstein22]

To those saying "I don't give a crap about this story," that's fine, and honestly it's totally understandable. But I'm assuming you don't give a crap not because you're a homophobe but because you actually couldn't care less if a player is gay or not. My question for you is, do you believe a sizable portion of the American population is anti-gay? If yes, don't you think that's a detriment to the emotional and general well-being of homosexuals in our country? The story is getting as much coverage as it is because our country as a whole does not openly embrace - or even tolerate - homosexuality. Whether he is successful or not, the Michael Sam story serves to inspire gay people and really any others who have been discriminated against, picked on, bullied, etc. to believe they can pursue their dreams in spite of these obstacles.

 

Nobody has to pay attention to this story, but the fact of the matter is it's important for the homosexual community. Nobody is asking you to be glued to a story like this, but it should at least be embraced as a positive development in our society.

[Dean Cain]

Rob Ninkovich 6'3 260 tweener, Michael Sam 6'3" 255.

[metzelaars_lives]

Who f'in cares except liberal newswriters who are looking for a lazy way to fill their copy.

 

If he keeps his affections out of the locker room, who cares.

 

If he doesn't, then his harrassment will get him run out of there, just the same as if he was intruding on others in any other fashion that is unacceptable.

You got it Maryland Bills Fan. As if it's not also the lead sports story on Fox News. And I can't read through the ignorance on this thread (I actually thought the affection he showed with his buddy was over the top and blatant attention grabbing) but anyone who is questioning why this is news is a moron. Period, end of story. Just understand that if you were saying about Jackie Robinson, "I don't care what color he is, if he can play, he can play. Why is this a news story?" in 1947, you would've sounded completely ignorant then just like half the people on here sound today. And if you are insulted with the comparison just look at a guy like Richie Incognito. Can't imagine it would've been much easier for Michael Sam to play alongside a guy like that than it was for Jackie Robinson to play with some of his teammates.

 

how many kids before sam were drafted and got a congratulations from the POTUS?

I don't know if that is a reflection of our society, if that is a reflection of the significance of Sam or if it is a reflection of Obama. I am not going to let this be any more political then it is, but Obama had no reason to make any comment about the NFL draft and society has no business caring who Michael Sam chooses to have relations with.

Oh geez. If you people don't realize that this was/is an iconic moment in American sports history then I don't know what to tell you. Do you really have to bring Obama into this? Mitt Romney or anyone else this side of Michele Bachman would've wished Michael Sam the best just the same. And lastly, if you need proof that this is newsworthy, I guarantee you that every team's fansite has a hotly debated thread just like this one. A STORY THAT GENERATES PUBLIC INTEREST IS THE VERY DEFINITION OF NEWS. And finally, WRT your bolded text, that is the whole point. You're exactly right. Up until now, society has always cared. You may not have, but believe me, society does. Michael Sam is the living embodiment of people transitioning to no longer caring. That's why this is so significant. If society has never cared, as you insinuate, just like you insinuated that Marquise Goodwin is no better than TJ Graham all season, then all the gay athletes prior to Sam would've just come out as well. There is a reason they did not, which is what you clearly cannot wrap your head around.

Edited May 11, 2014 by metzelaars_lives

[transient]

why? why is it a huge moment?

 

landing on the moon was a huge moment

putting bacon on a cheeseburger was a huge moment

the beattles on late night was a huge moment

 

this is not a huge moment. this changes nothing in life, this changes nothing in society and if anything will only polarize the issues for many many millions of people who are offended by the simplicity of such a simple issue gaining such popularity in this country when it has no significance. it is a waste of a headline. it is news worthy but nothing of significance.

Societal tolerance does not equate to acceptance. While many could care less about sexual orientation because they truly have reached a point of acceptance, there are probably just as many who tolerate homosexuals out of conformity without actual belief in equality. The fact that the Rams drafted a player that was openly gay sends a message. The fact that Michael Sam was strong enough to be open and upfront about this (albeit, in the face of it likely being assumed even if he didn't confirm it) instead of trying to hide it while applying for a job with what could be equated with the epitome of male heterosexuality (and, unfortunately too often, stereotypical "frat boy stupidity"), conveys an important societal message about acceptance and being yourself. He may not turn out to be much of a football player, but like it or not he has sent a strong message as a role model, and it is a story worth following. It says something when even ESPN understands the significance of the moment.

Edited May 11, 2014 by transient

[metzelaars_lives]

Societal tolerance does not equate to acceptance. While many could care less about sexual orientation because they truly have reached a point of acceptance, there are probably just as many who tolerate homosexuals out of conformity without actual belief in equality. The fact that the Rams drafted a player that was openly gay sends a message. The fact that Michael Sam was strong enough to be open and upfront about this (albeit, in the face of it likely being assumed even if he didn't confirm it) instead of trying to hide it while applying for a job with what could be equated with the epitome of male heterosexuality (and, unfortunately too often, stereotypical "frat boy stupidity"), conveys an important societal message about acceptance and being yourself. He may not turn out to be much of a football player, but like it or not he has sent a strong message as a role model, and it is a story worth following. It says something when even ESPN understands the significance of the moment.

Well stated. Can you even imagine how inspiring this must've been for some gay 15 year-old in middle America today who is afraid to be himself in school, seeing someone be so open and proud in the face of, as you put it, the epitome of male heterosexuality? Sadly, most people on this board are not grasping this very simple concept. All this being said, the cake eating display was a little much. Edited May 11, 2014 by metzelaars_lives

[transient]

(I actually thought the affection he showed with his buddy was over the top and blatant attention grabbing)

How many draftees cried this weekend? If I'm not mistaken, the waterworks started with the first overall pick. How many other of those draft picks had as much of a personal stake in this weekend as well as a professional stake? I saw the reaction of someone who had taken on a cause that was bigger than himself finally have the opportunity to release months of stress and anxiety.

 

If you had not known his sexual orientation and had just been witness to a draft pick hanging out with his girlfriend finally get the call and display the same affection, would you have still thought his reaction was over the top?

[Buftex]

Well said Metz, and transient. What I am getting from most (not all) of the people who are saying "who cares?" is that they are fine with gay people, as long as they stay in the closet.

Edited May 11, 2014 by Buftex

[metzelaars_lives]

How many draftees cried this weekend? If I'm not mistaken, the waterworks started with the first overall pick. How many other of those draft picks had as much of a personal stake in this weekend as well as a professional stake? I saw the reaction of someone who had taken on a cause that was bigger than himself finally have the opportunity to release months of stress and anxiety.

 

If you had not known his sexual orientation and had just been witness to a draft pick hanging out with his girlfriend finally get the call and display the same affection, would you have still thought his reaction was over the top?

Again, I just watched the cake eating scene and if a straight player did that with his girlfriend, it would've been extremely awkward just the same. I hope he takes some good natured ribbing for it just the same way a straight player would. We're on the same side on this issue, trust me. Also, great avatar by the way. Wonder how many people have picked up on that.

Edited May 11, 2014 by metzelaars_lives

[Buftex]

why? why is it a huge moment?

 

landing on the moon was a huge moment

putting bacon on a cheeseburger was a huge moment

the beattles on late night was a huge moment

 

this is not a huge moment. this changes nothing in life, this changes nothing in society and if anything will only polarize the issues for many many millions of people who are offended by the simplicity of such a simple issue gaining such popularity in this country when it has no significance. it is a waste of a headline. it is news worthy but nothing of significance.

 

jboyst, I think you are missing the point on this one... if you were gay you might feel a lot different, and this might seem a lot more significant to you than putting bacon on a cheeseburger. So a significant sector of our society should continue to live in the shadows, so it won't upset the few people who are still prone toward getting upset about homosexuality?

 

Again, I just watched the cake eating scene and if a straight player did that with his girlfriend, it would've been extremely awkward just the same. I hope he takes some good natured ribbing for it just the same way a straight player would. We're on the same side on this issue, trust me. Also, great avatar by the way. Wonder how many people have picked up on that.

 

Jim Kelly with a twist!