BBC News, 10
February 2014
 |
| Michael Sam is a former defensive lineman for the University of Missouri |
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American footballer Michael Sam, who aims to become the NFL's first openly gay player, has won praise from First Lady Michelle Obama.
The
24-year-old former University of Missouri athlete revealed his sexuality on
Sunday.
Mrs Obama
took to Twitter to call Sam "an inspiration to all of us".
The
National Football League has also welcomed the defensive lineman's
announcement, saying Sam has "honesty and courage".
Mrs Obama
said of Sam: "We couldn't be prouder of your courage both on and off the
field."
'Great
example'
In the
interview that aired on ESPN on Sunday, Sam said: "I came to tell the
world I'm an openly gay man.
"If I
work hard, if I make plays - that's all that should matter."
The athlete
completed his college football career in December and is expected to be drafted
by an NFL franchise in May.
He is said
to have revealed his sexuality to his former college teammates at the
University of Missouri's Mizzou Tigers, but admitted doing so publicly was
"a weight off his chest".
"I
probably may be the first but I won't be the last," he added. "And I
think only good things will come from this."
Former
college coach Gary Pinkel supported Sam on Monday, telling US media the athlete
is "a great example of just how important it is to be respectful of
others".
"He's
taught a lot of people here first hand that it doesn't matter what your
background is, or your personal orientation, we're all on the same team and we
all support each other," Mr Pinkel added.
Adverse
effects?
Should Sam
be drafted as expected and make an NFL roster in the 2014 season, he would
become the first openly gay player to compete in any of North America's four
major professional sports leagues - football, baseball, basketball and hockey.
Sportsmen
who have come out
- Gareth Thomas: Former rugby union player, came out while still playing
- Thomas Hitzlsperger: Former Aston Villa midfielder, now retired
- Justin Fashanu: Former Norwich City striker, came out while playing
- Ian Roberts: Former Australia rugby league star, came out after retirement
- Steven Davies: Surrey cricketer, still playing
- Orlando Cruz: Puerto Rican featherweight boxer
- Jason Collins: NBA star, has not played since coming out
However, Sports Illustrated quotes anonymous coaches and scouts as saying that Sam's NFL draft outlook will now be adversely affected.
In April
2013, basketball player Jason Collins came out during the sport's off-season
but was not signed for the next campaign, meaning he never competed as an
openly gay player.
Sam is
expected to be a mid-draft pick when the NFL's teams hold their annual draft
meeting, a process where players from America's college football system are
signed for professional franchises.
Former
players from the league have come out since retiring, but none have done so
during their careers.
In a
statement, the NFL said: "Michael is a football player. Any player with
ability and determination can succeed in the NFL.
"We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014."
"We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014."
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