Tag: Michael Sam

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Michael Sam docu-series on OWN postponed

The Oprah Winfrey Network docu-series planned to chronicle Michael Sam’s journey as the first gay player in the NFL has been put on hold.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

“After careful consideration and discussion with the St. Louis Rams, the untitled Michael Sam project has been postponed, allowing Michael the best opportunity to achieve his dream of making the team,” said Erik Logan, president of OWN. “OWN is about elevating and empowering people to achieve their best. It’s clear that we, along with the world, recognize the important opportunity that Michael now has in this moment. We will continue to support him in his journey to earn a spot playing for the Rams.”

“After today’s meeting with the Rams, we collectively feel it is best to postpone the project,” said Sam’s agent Cameron Weiss. “This will allow for Michael to have a total focus on football and will ensure no distractions to his teammates. Everybody involved remains committed to this project and understands its historical importance as well as its positive message.”

To be honest, I agree with the decision. I’ve seen reality series shoot, and it’s very time-consuming. What is most important right now is that Michael devote 100% of his focus and energy to being the best defensive end for the St. Louis Rams.

All the other things can come later.

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Dallas morning show host Amy Kushnir on what’s “appropriate” for TV

Graphic via Memeographs

On Tuesday, Dallas morning show host Amy Kushnir stormed off the set in the middle of a segment because she was so upset that ESPN showed NFL draftee Michael Sam kiss his boyfriend in a moment of celebration.

Last night, she appeared on FOX News to explain that she “loves everyone” but she worries about certain subject matter being shown on television at inappropriate times.

Please note Ms. Kushnir’s excitement when she hosted the world-famous Chippendales on her show in February. At the end of the segment, she ends up – quite comfortably – being picked up and held the handsome hunks.

Now my readers know I love me some Chippendales. The Chippendales offer good, clean fun. The guys even point out during their interview that their show is “production number” based and they don’t do the “strip and tip” thing. No G-strings, no dollar bills. Just fun.

I have no problem seeing the Chipps on morning TV, just as I have no problem with Michael Sam giving his bf a kiss in celebration.  You see WAY more skin and kissing on any soap opera these days.  And I don’t mind that, either… 🙂

But Ms. Kushnir seems to “slice and dice” morality on TV a bit more precisely than I.  In the segment Tuesday, she indicated that it was the Michael Sam kiss on TV that bothered her and had it been a straight couple, she would have said “get a room!” 

OR – is the issue really the fact that openly gay Michael Sam is a problem for her, and heterosexual fun with the Chippendales is not?

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Oprah Winfrey will produce docu-series on Michael Sam’s journey to the NFL

Oprah Winfrey has announced plans to make a documentary series on Michael Sam becoming the first openly gay player in NFL history:

Over the weekend, Sam was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the final round of the draft. His story has dominated the news in recent days including debate over his kissing his boyfriend on live television after learning he had made history.

‘Like every player out there working to make a team right now, my focus is on playing football to the very best of my ability,’ Sam said in a statement Wednesday (14 May). ‘I am determined.’

He added: ‘If seeing my story helps somebody else accept who they are and to go for their dreams too, that’s great. I am thankful to Oprah for her support and excited to work together.’

The series, which is currently untitled, will be made for the Oprah Winfrey Network by Pilgrim Studios and Amy Rice.

Said Winfrey in a statement: ‘We are honored that Michael is trusting us with his private journey in this moment that has not only made history but will shape it forever.’

She says the series ‘promises to spark valuable, important discussion on life in America today. Acceptance and illumination start here.’

(via GayStarNews)

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Dallas morning show co-host Amy Kushnir storms off set mid-segment

Courtney Kerr (L) and Amy Kushnir (R)

The chat got heated on Dallas’ “The Broadcast” yesterday when co-host Amy Kushnir got so upset over Michael Sam’s “draft kiss” that she stormed off the set in mid-segment. What a real pro.

Said Kushnir, before stomping off:

“When parents do not have a choice about whether or not they want their children to see this, it is wrong…I don’t call it a moment of celebration…It’s being pushed in faces. I don’t want to see that. I don’t want to see cake in your face, kissing each other.”

[snip]

“Here’s the thing. ESPN would not have aired any of it had he been kissing his wife.”

The usual cries of gays “shoving it in my face” make their appearance. If the sentiments weren’t so icky, this would be funny.

Note that Kushnir says she doesn’t like to see public displays of affection. THAT’s what bothered her. But – check out the main image on her Facebook page.  Why, is that a public display of affection?  Is she kissing someone and “shoving it down our throats?” Truth be told, what Ms. Kushnir doesn’t like are PDAs between the gays.

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Anti-gay FRC spokesman Ken Blackwell and Texas sportscaster Dale Hansen discuss Michael Sam draft

During the May 12 edition of CNN Tonight, anchor Bill Weir invited Texas sportscaster Dale Hansen, whose February speech in support of Sam created an Internet sensation, and the anti-gay Family Research Council’s (FRC) Ken Blackwell to discuss the drafting of Michael Sam and his celebratory kiss with his boyfriend.

As we’ve come to expect, Hansen was very articulate and stayed on the subject of a football player getting a chance to prove himself on the field.

But, during the segment, Blackwell tries to suggest that Sam kissed his boyfriend to help push an “agenda” and speculated that the kiss was a “political prophylactic” to protect Sam from getting fired.  And Blackwell also veers into the underbrush by bringing up Tim Tebow who has nothing to do with the discussion.

While I know CNN was trying to have two sides to the conversation, even host Bill Weir looked a bit incredulous at some of Blackwell’s statements – WHICH basically followed the FRC’s usual talking points.  Here’s just part of Blackwell’s screed about Michael Sam:

I thought the kiss was inappropriate and over the top, but I am just surprised with the duplicity among owners and leadership of the NFL. I take it it was just a few years ago when there were players who criticized Tim Tebow for wearing his faith on his sleeve. There were folks who basically said he was not a good football player; that’s why they were critical of him, not because he was a professed Christian who practiced his faith in all aspects of his life.

I really do question the network’s judgment, editorial judgment in putting the kiss on — on TV. Look, this is a very clear opportunity for Mr. Sam and others to co-op a professional sports, in this case the NFL, as a platform and as a force multiplier for advancing their agenda.

Let me just say that I hope he hasn’t created a political prophylactic that will shield his inability to make the team as a football player — as a football player because he’s an advocate for a lifestyle.

(via Equality Matters)

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CNN puts the Michael Sam “Draft kiss” into TV perspective

Excellent report by Bill Weir of CNN that puts the now famous Michael Sam “Draft kiss” into context in terms of famous, barrier breaking TV moments.

From William Shatner and Nichelle Nichols on “Star Trek” to Archie Bunker’s macho football buddy to “Modern Family” to “Conchita Wurst” of Austria winning the Eurovision Song competition in front of 120 million viewers, TV has often opened our eyes to a new perspective on social attitudes.

Take a look below. And thanks, Bill Weir and CNN.

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St. Louis Rams press conference introducing Michael Sam

Today, the St. Louis Rams introduced Michael Sam at a press conference.

The point made over and over by Michael was that football is his singular focus right now.

When asked how he handles negative comments in social media like Twitter, his answer was simple – he doesn’t read any of it.

Michael handles himself very well here.  Forward.

Watch live streaming video from nflrams at livestream.com
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Funny: Stephen Colbert takes on the “Michael Sam draft kiss”

Stephen Colbert delivered a hysterical take-down of the “outrage” over the Michael Sam “draft kiss.”

According to Colbert, “In the NFL, sexuality is supposed to take place off camera, and the fans should only find out about it when the charges are filed.”

Colbert also jokes that Sam doesn’t belong in the NFL, he belongs in major league baseball because “the second he was drafted he headed to first base.”

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How to talk to your children about newly drafted NFL player Michael Sam

Michael Sam was recently drafted by the St. Louis Rams, making him the first out gay professional football player.

Clearly, your children are going to have some questions.

For instance, on FOX News this morning, the hosts were up in arms that Michael Sam, upon achieving his life-long dream of playing in the NFL kissed the love of his life instead of shaking his hand. 

(I guess that what FOX News hosts do in the more important moments of their lives…)

This video is here to help you and people like Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

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Tweet of the day: Audra McDonald on Michael Sam

As they froth at the mouth over on FOX News about the fact that Michael Sam kissed his boyfriend after getting the call that he was being drafted by the St. Louis Rams, five-time Tony Award winner brings some common sense to the conversation:

“It’s the biggest day of ur life.  A call confirms ur dream has come true.  U turn 2 the love of ur life & … shake their hand? NOPE.  #MICHAELSAM”

Brilliant.