Tag: Michael Sam

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ESPN apologizes for Michael Sam “showering habits” report

Openly gay NFL player Michael Sam
Michael Sam of the St. Louis Rams

ESPN has posted an apology for it’s rather odd reporting on the showering habits of out NFL-er Michael Sams.

‘ESPN regrets the manner in which we presented our report,’ the network said in a statement Wednesday (27 August).

‘Clearly yesterday we collectively failed to meet the standards we have set in reporting on LGBT-related topics in sports.’

In the report it is now apologizing for, reporter Josina Anderson said: ‘Another Rams defensive player told me that “Sam is respecting our space.” And that, from his perspective, he seems to think that Michael Sam is kind of waiting to take a shower, as not to make his teammates feel uncomfortable.’

Rams defensive end Chris Long sent out this tweet after the segment aired: ‘Dear ESPN, everyone but you is over it.’

(via Gay Star News)

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Out NFL-er Michael Sam makes first round of cuts for St. Louis Rams

Michael Sam of the St. Louis Rams

This afternoon, the St. Louis Rams kept Michael Sam on their roster as the team whittled down to the league maximum of 75.

Michael Sam is the first openly gay athlete to play in the NFL.

That Sam made it through the first round of cuts is of little surprise after he posted two sacks against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday night.

Through three preseason games, Sam — the first openly gay active player in NFL history — has five tackles and three sacks. Rams coaches’ film review also credits the rookie defensive end with two quarterback pressures and a quarterback hit.

This gets Sam to the final preseason game on Thursday against the Miami Dolphins, where he’ll surely get the playing time he needs to make his case.

Final cuts must be made by 4pm ET Saturday to a 53 man roster.

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ESPN reports on the tough stories like Michael Sam’s shower habits

St. Louis Rams Michael Sam in preseason training

ESPN goes deep into the St. Louis Rams preseason camp to discover the real stories – like, how’s it going with Michael Sam in the showers…?

SRSLY.

From Think Progress:

During an afternoon SportsCenter broadcast, ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported that an anonymous Rams player told her that “Sam is respecting our space” when it comes to the shower, perhaps waiting so as not to make some of his teammates feel uncomfortable.

Two other players who actually put their name to statements — defensive tackle Kendall Langford and linebacker Alec Ogletree — told Anderson that they “weren’t tracking” Sam’s shower habits, which seems like the natural response to such a question.

But no one got to the truth so succinctly as Rams defensive end Chris Long, who tweeted:

Clearly, ESPN is trying to create a story where there is none. Just about everyone has moved on from the “gay man in an NFL locker room” angle.

You can watch “report” from ESPN below:

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My man Michael Sam sacks Johnny Manziel in pre-season play

From USA Today: Two of the most scrutinized rookies crossed paths in the fourth quarter of Saturday night’s St. Louis Rams at Cleveland Browns preseason game when seventh-round defensive end Michael Sam sacked Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel.

Then, the former Missouri star who is attempting to become the league’s first openly gay player gave Manziel a dose of his own medicine, flashing Manziel’s signature “Show Me The Money’’ finger rub.

(via USA Today)

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St. Louis Rams’ Michael Sam notches first sack of his NFL career

Michael Sam of the St. Louis Rams

History was made Saturday afternoon as my man Michael Sam, of the St. Louis Rams, recorded the first sack of his NFL career.

From CBS Sports:

On a 3rd and 19 for the Packers, the Rams defensive end lined up on the left side of the Rams line. He beat Derek Sherrod on a dip move, burst into the pocket and chased down Matt Flynn to record his first sack.

I should tell you that, as the son of a sports writer, I know EXACTLY what that all means.

I just couldn’t have written it.

Congrats to Mike on the first of many!

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Michael Sam and more famous athletes invite you to take part in OutOnTheField survey

St. Louis Rams’ Michael Sam

Out NFL player Michael Sam and many other prominent athletes urge you to share your story about homophobia in sports at www.outonthefields.com.

Conducted by Penn State and the University of Massachusetts this survey hopes to better equip sporting organizations around the world to handle homophobia-related issues.  The research team is hoping for 7,000 participants.

The results are expected later this year.

It only takes 10 minutes to participate in the first international study. You can help shine a spotlight on the issue and change sports culture. Even if you’ve never played sports you are invited to take part.

The Burgess Brothers

David Pocock
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Michael Sam takes to the field for first NFL game

Last night, out NFL-er Michael Sam took to the field for the first time with the St. Louis Rams.

Via BleacherReport:

In fact, it’s curious that Sam played as early as he did. When the Rams’ first “official” depth chart was released a few days ago, Sam was listed as a third-stringer, but he entered the game with the twos.

As Tom Pelissero of USA Today pointed out, it didn’t take long for Sam to make a little noise, at which point the fans in attendance showed their support:

Sam played the rest of the first half, finishing with one solo tackle, one quarterback hit and one QB hurry. With rushing the passer being Sam’s forte, he expectedly looked most comfortable while going after the signal-caller, even if he wasn’t able to seal the deal.

It was about what you’d expect from a seventh-round pick fighting to make the team: Sam showed good burst on the play that got him his tackle, but he almost let the ball-carrier slip through his grasp. On some snaps he looked comfortable, and on others he looked lost.

After the game, Hall of Fame wide receiver had this to say about Sam: “He showed that he can play in this league.”