M. Sam

Once a beacon of social change, sports are now just struggling to catch up.

On February 9 Missouri Football All-American Michael Sam announced to the world that he was gay. As it now stands, Sam is on the brink of becoming the first openly gay NFL player, draft pending. The sporting world, which was responsible for being ahead of the curve when it comes breaking racial barriers, has come to a standstill.

As support for gay marriage and gay rights have picked up steam in society, the sporting world seems intent on keeping things business as usual. Homophobia and intolerance runs rampant throughout locker rooms and some players have no problem making their views known to the media. “We don’t want no gay people on the team; they gotta get up outta here if they are” said Chris Culliver, a cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers.

The sentiments shared in the sporting world about the new hot button social issue, don’t seem to match up when juxtaposed with the social issues of the past. At a time when racism was rampant and segregation was in its prime, sports served as a symbol of unity of all men. When Jackie Robinson won the Rookie of the Year and MVP award, men and women of all color cheered for him.

Sports are supposed to bring together all people in a common cause, but with Sam’s announcement a rift has been created among sports fans and personalities alike. Many high-ranking NFL officials have already stated that Sam’s announcement will affect his draft stock severely citing that a gay player would not be welcome in an NFL locker room.

These locker rooms and sports personalities are the same ones that welcome and promote drug users, players convicted of DUI manslaughter, players accused of murder and players accused of rape. When you love another man however you have crossed the line and are not welcome into the community. In an age of anti-bullying, why are the leagues that have been most vocal about teaching kids respect the one’s who lack it the most.

The time prior to the NFL draft is a time when players are supposed to be judged on statistics, bodies of work, and highlight films, but Sam seems to be the exception to the rule. The decision to disclose his sexuality was not a publicity stunt for Sam, it was revealing to the world that which his college teammates already knew.

Despite the revelation, Sam is still a football player and should be judged accordingly to his skills, but it seems as if that bridge is burned. As the best defensive player in college footballs best conference, logic should tell you that his draft stock should be a lot higher than the third round projection he has.

The team that eventually does roll the dice on Sam has a chance to make history and be placed in the history books along side Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson. Sam is exactly what the gay rights movement needs right now. If he can produce in the NFL successfully, even the staunchest of homophobes will rally behind him and cheer.

 In a world of athletic specimens, Sam has the opportunity to stand amongst them all and show the world that whom you love doesn’t define you, but what you accomplish does.