NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[url=http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/10429030/michael-sam-missouri-tigers-says-gay]Michael Sam of Missouri Tigers says he's gay - ESPN[/url]

I'll start by saying I think this is deserving of its' own thread. I'm surprised by the timing, because I think this might hurt his draft prospects, although I hope that in this day and age NFL teams won't hold it against him. It takes a lot of courage for him to do this, as he's about to be scrutinized more than he's ever been in his entire life. According to the projections he looked to be a mid-round prospect. No doubt teams are going to question him about whether he'll be able to handle the media scrutiny of being the potential first actively gay player to play in the NFL.

I certainly wouldn't mind the Redskins using an appropriate pick on him, I do not care about athletes' sexual orientation as long as they have the talent to succeed on the field. And good pass rushers (despite the attitude many seem to have about Orakpo) are hard to come by in this league. If he doesn't end up drafted by us, best of luck to him. No doubt he's not the first gay player to play in the league, but he will have to deal with being the first to be open about it.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

He was the SEC defensive player of the year, if the Redskins got him I would be ecstatic. . If any team passes on him because of anything other than scheme and football, that GM deserves to be fired.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

He could be a good backup if Rob Jackson left via free agency. Not sure if we could spend a third round pick on him because we have so many needs elsewhere. SEC Defensive player of the year, so we know that he can play.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[url=http://www.outsports.com/2014/2/9/5396036/michael-sam-gay-football-player-missouri-nfl-draft]'The eagle has landed': The exclusive behind-the-scenes story of how NFL prospect Michael Sam came out - Outsports[/url]

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

Extremely brave to come out before the draft.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

If he's the best player on the board when we pick then by all means draft him. However, it's going to take a strong organization, head coach and strong veteran leadership to deal with the media circus. Not quite sure we have that here.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

I'd have no problem wearing this guys jersey if he was a skin.. Good for him to come out and be brave..

If you look at him purely as a football player, there's no chance no NFL team won't draft him. SEC co-defensive player of the year is highly impressive, as is unanimous All-American and all the encouraging articles about his high motor and leadership abilities. I definitely wouldn't mind him as a backup pass rusher for the Skins.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

Who cares (coming from someone who lives in SF). My question is? Can he play?

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1059059][url=http://www.outsports.com/2014/2/9/5396036/michael-sam-gay-football-player-missouri-nfl-draft]'The eagle has landed': The exclusive behind-the-scenes story of how NFL prospect Michael Sam came out - Outsports[/url][/quote]

Crazy how much prep work goes into something as simple as a story.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;1059066]Who cares (coming from someone who lives in SF). My question is? Can he play?[/quote]Exactly how I feel. The courage to be the first to come out says a great deal about him as a person. If he's a good fit for the Skins, I would be happy to see Sam in Burgundy and Gold.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

Three cheers for Sam. Seriously courageous.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;1059066]Who cares (coming from someone who lives in SF). My question is? Can he play?[/quote]


Maybe our society will get there one day where we don't give a damn about a person's sexuality, race or religion.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=NC_Skins;1059071]Maybe our society will get there one day where we don't give a damn about a person's sexuality, race or religion.[/quote]

Yeah, I doubt that 100%.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

3 2 1 .... to MD's ignorant comments.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

Hope he's the first of many so we can get to the point where it's not even news anymore.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

Where was he projected to go in the draft before he came out? Be interesting to see when the draft hits how he's affected by coming out.Be nice to have him fall to us and be a good value pick in whatever round he's drafted in.If he does fall in the draft I would bet he would work his ass off to show the other teams that passed on him that they messed up.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

Well, even if he falls (or rises) in the draft, it doesn´t necessarily mean that´s because he came out.

Weren´t there a lot of players who were taken a lot earlier or later than expected without having come out?

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=TheGuyFromOverThere;1059079]Well, even if he falls (or rises) in the draft, it doesn´t necessarily mean that´s because he came out.

Weren´t there a lot of players who were taken a lot earlier or later than expected without having come out?[/quote]

Yeah but if he falls it could mean it's because coaches don't want that kind of media circus surrounding their locker room. Players fall all the time for different reasons, for him it would just be another hill to overcome if he wants to be successful.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=htownskinfan;1059078]Where was he projected to go in the draft before he came out? Be interesting to see when the draft hits how he's affected by coming out.Be nice to have him fall to us and be a good value pick in whatever round he's drafted in.If he does fall in the draft I would bet he would work his ass off to show the other teams that passed on him that they messed up.[/quote]

They were saying 3rd-4th round (which for the SEC Co D player of the year seems low), but thats what the prospects were.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

Love that he came out like this, it's the first step to a culture change in the NFL which could eventually lead a lot of other old-fashioned, bull-headed components of society into the future.

That said, he's not all that good. He led the SEC with 11.5 sacks, but 9 of those sacks came against Vanderbilt, Arkansas State and Florida (they had a down year). He dominates sub-par competition but plays to a stalemate against the better competition. Guess what kind of competition he'll find in the NFL.

He'd have to play OLB in our system and it makes no sense investing a 3rd or 4th at a position where we already have Kerrigan and Orakpo (assumed). Depth is good and all but we have too many holes elsewhere.

I'd pass on him. And my judgment is entirely based on football, as it should be.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=Schneed10;1059086]Love that he came out like this, it's the first step to a culture change in the NFL which could eventually lead a lot of other old-fashioned, bull-headed components of society into the future.

That said, he's not all that good. [B]He led the SEC with 11.5 sacks, but 9 of those sacks came against Vanderbilt, Arkansas State and Florida[/B] (they had a down year). He dominates sub-par competition but plays to a stalemate against the better competition. Guess what kind of competition he'll find in the NFL.

He'd have to play OLB in our system and it makes no sense investing a 3rd or 4th at a position where we already have Kerrigan and Orakpo (assumed). Depth is good and all but we have too many holes elsewhere.

I'd pass on him. And my judgment is entirely based on football, as it should be.[/quote]

Wow, I didn't know that. Certainly puts a damper on his stats. I wouldn't mind using a late round pick on him if he drops, but I probably wouldn't use a 3 or a 4.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=Mattyk;1059077]Hope he's the first of many so we can get to the point where it's not even news anymore.[/quote]

That is what I was thinking, the law of averages of having a 3% gay population says there has to be 50 or so gay guys in the NFL. If most or all of them come out right now there is strength in numbers, and they could support each other.
Also with the high numbers the players that have made anti gay comments in the past (Like Chris Culliver of the 49ers).might see things differently. Some of these macho guys think all gay men are effeminate and the probability of one of them being in the NFL is slim. If the guys with these attitudes find out a gay dude has been two lockers down for the last 3 seasons and he didn't know it, I think his attitude would change.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=Buffalo Bob;1059090]That is what I was thinking, the law of averages of having a 3% gay population says there has to be 50 or so gay guys in the NFL. If most or all of them come out right now there is strength in numbers, and they could support each other.
Also with the high numbers the players that have made anti gay comments in the past (Like Chris Culliver of the 49ers).might see things differently. Some of these macho guys think all gay men are effeminate and the probability of one of them being in the NFL is slim.[B] If the guys with these attitudes find out a gay dude has been two lockers down for the last 3 seasons and he didn't know it, I think his attitude would change[/B].[/quote]

This interesting statement rings true about all forms of prejudices. Most of our country's prejudicies are born of pure ignorance. What I find strange is the unwillingness of some not to wanting to get to know others whom are different and thats a barrier we need to breakdown.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

I'm glad he had the courage to come out. I'm also impressed with the entire Mizzou team. He came out at the beginning of this season to the team. Not a single one of those young men leaked to the media, made it a big deal, etc. Good for them.

I don't know enough about him as a prospect to say I'd want him here. I just hope this doesn't lead to discrimination. If anything, it should show the leadership and strength it takes to do something unprecedented because it's right, not because it's easy.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=Mattyk;1059077]Hope he's the first of many so we can get to the point where it's not even news anymore.[/quote]

This.

Again, I pointed this out in another thread somewhere, watch the 1993 movie Philadelphia with Tom Hanks. Shocking to see what was portrayed as the mainstream view of homosexuality. Society has changed enormously in the last 20 years. In 40, I expect it to be an absolute non-factor for 90% of the country.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

He's a similar player to Brandon Jenkins coming out, although probably more valuable than that because there is no injury history.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=skinsfan69;1059061]If he's the best player on the board when we pick then by all means draft him. However,[B] it's going to take a strong organization, head coach and strong veteran leadership to deal with the media circus. Not quite sure we have that here.[/B][/quote]


I have to agree with you we are lacking that part.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=Schneed10;1059086]Love that he came out like this, it's the first step to a culture change in the NFL which could eventually lead a lot of other old-fashioned, bull-headed components of society into the future.

[B][I]That said, he's not all that good. He led the SEC with 11.5 sacks, but 9 of those sacks came against Vanderbilt, Arkansas State and Florida (they had a down year). He dominates sub-par competition but plays to a stalemate against the better competition. Guess what kind of competition he'll find in the NFL.
[/I][/B]
He'd have to play OLB in our system and it makes no sense investing a 3rd or 4th at a position where we already have Kerrigan and Orakpo (assumed). Depth is good and all but we have too many holes elsewhere.

I'd pass on him. And my judgment is entirely based on football, as it should be.[/quote]

Guess thats why he was rated 3rd or 4th round instead of higher

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

to me this is non news. all anyone should care about if he can make plays. no more, no less

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

He ends up in Seattle at the end of round 2 and tears it up becoming an all pro.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

He was projected to be a mid round draft pick before the Senior Bowl where they had him standing up and he simply looked lost... He sounds to me like another Brandon Jenkins, a project 3-4 OLB... If he drops past the 5th round, then by all means... But I don't think we should spend any more than that... And assuming we bring back Sackpo, we are pretty set at that position...

[QUOTE=Schneed10;1059086]Love that he came out like this, it's the first step to a culture change in the NFL which could eventually lead a lot of other old-fashioned, bull-headed components of society into the future.

That said, he's not all that good. He led the SEC with 11.5 sacks, but 9 of those sacks came against Vanderbilt, Arkansas State and Florida (they had a down year). He dominates sub-par competition but plays to a stalemate against the better competition. Guess what kind of competition he'll find in the NFL.

He'd have to play OLB in our system and it makes no sense investing a 3rd or 4th at a position where we already have Kerrigan and Orakpo (assumed). Depth is good and all but we have too many holes elsewhere.

I'd pass on him. And my judgment is entirely based on football, as it should be.[/QUOTE]

Just to play devils advocate, you say he got most of his sacks against lesser competition, I say it is still the SEC, and those teams give out scholarships too. At the end of the year the award for best defensive player in the SEC doesn't go to the guy who was ok, it goes to the best player in the SEC. And as recent history shows us the player to win SEC defensive player of the year is usually a very good talent. Here is a list of the most recent and where they were drafted.
Michael Sam ?
J Jones 17th overall
M Claiborne 6th overall
P Peterson 5th overall
R McClain 8th overall
E Berry 5th overall
G Dorsey 5th overall

And then there's the list of single season sack leaders from Mizzou
1. Michael Sam 11.5, ?
1. Aldon Smith 11.5, 7th overall pick
2. Justin Smith 11, 4th overall pick

As an outsider with no real football knowledge you would think the player to win SEC defensive player of the year stands a very good chance of being drafted in the top 10, let alone the 1st round. It leads me to wonder if maybe his draft stock was already going down because there were rumors of his sexuality being in question. And rather than have any rumors out there he just took it head on instead of beating around the bush.

It's just weird for me to hear the pedigree of the SEC D player of the year and then to hear some one say this kid could fall to the 5th or 6th round, makes no sense to me.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1954822-michael-sam-in-the-nfl-players-execs-agree-there-are-no-easy-answers?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial&hpt=hp_t2]Michael Sam in the NFL: Players, Execs Agree There Are No Easy Answers | Bleacher Report[/url]

From the article:
[quote]The league office wants this to happen. [B]Commissioner Roger Goodell has an openly gay brother.[/B] [/quote]

Did not know that.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=mlmdub130;1059111]Just to play devils advocate, you say he got most of his sacks against lesser competition, I say it is still the SEC, and those teams give out scholarships too. At the end of the year the award for best defensive player in the SEC doesn't go to the guy who was ok, it goes to the best player in the SEC. And as recent history shows us the player to win SEC defensive player of the year is usually a very good talent. Here is a list of the most recent and where they were drafted.
Michael Sam ?
J Jones 17th overall
M Claiborne 6th overall
P Peterson 5th overall
R McClain 8th overall
E Berry 5th overall
G Dorsey 5th overall

And then there's the list of single season sack leaders from Mizzou
1. Michael Sam 11.5, ?
1. Aldon Smith 11.5, 7th overall pick
2. Justin Smith 11, 4th overall pick

As an outsider with no real football knowledge you would think the player to win SEC defensive player of the year stands a very good chance of being drafted in the top 10, let alone the 1st round. It leads me to wonder if maybe his draft stock was already going down because there were rumors of his sexuality being in question. And rather than have any rumors out there he just took it head on instead of beating around the bush.

It's just weird for me to hear the pedigree of the SEC D player of the year and then to hear some one say this kid could fall to the 5th or 6th round, makes no sense to me.[/quote]

Probably the big reason is he's a tweener. Too small for full time DE and will need a lot of work playing OLB.

Regarding his announcement I think 90% of players/coaches won't give 2 shits about it. If he can play, he can play.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

Old article, but a good one

[url=http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9237535/vince-lombardi-proud-jason-collins]Vince Lombardi would have been proud of Jason Collins - ESPN New York[/url]

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=dmek25;1059108]to me this is non news. all anyone should care about if he can make plays. no more, no less[/quote]

Well said.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=mlmdub130;1059111]Just to play devils advocate, you say he got most of his sacks against lesser competition, I say it is still the SEC, and those teams give out scholarships too. At the end of the year the award for best defensive player in the SEC doesn't go to the guy who was ok, it goes to the best player in the SEC. And as recent history shows us the player to win SEC defensive player of the year is usually a very good talent. Here is a list of the most recent and where they were drafted.
Michael Sam ?
J Jones 17th overall
M Claiborne 6th overall
P Peterson 5th overall
R McClain 8th overall
E Berry 5th overall
G Dorsey 5th overall

And then there's the list of single season sack leaders from Mizzou
1. Michael Sam 11.5, ?
1. Aldon Smith 11.5, 7th overall pick
2. Justin Smith 11, 4th overall pick

As an outsider with no real football knowledge you would think the player to win SEC defensive player of the year stands a very good chance of being drafted in the top 10, let alone the 1st round. It leads me to wonder if maybe his draft stock was already going down because there were rumors of his sexuality being in question. And rather than have any rumors out there he just took it head on instead of beating around the bush.

It's just weird for me to hear the pedigree of the SEC D player of the year and then to hear some one say this kid could fall to the 5th or 6th round, makes no sense to me.[/quote]

Good Info definitely have to wonder.

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

Good on him. But all I care about is if the dude can play and if he can, that we draft him!

Re: NFL draft prospect Michael Sam comes out
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1059118]Old article, but a good one

[url=http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9237535/vince-lombardi-proud-jason-collins]Vince Lombardi would have been proud of Jason Collins - ESPN New York[/url][/quote]

They talked about Lombardi and tolerance during [I]A Football Life: Jerry Smith[/I] too. Yet another reason to admire Lombardi.