Michael Sam's career faces real danger: The Tim Tebow Effect - CBSSports.com
Actually I'm with Giant. The thing is with both Tebow and Sam is that they draw the attention of the type of non-football types that just have an extremely limited understanding of how the NFL works.
So when Tebow was cut by the Jets, to the untrained layman it was because they 'didn't agree with his Christian values and blah blah blah. Look how many games he won.' Never mind he had God awful numbers and a most generous schedule. After all the Broncos won their division at 8-8. Not to mention a throwing motion that made Byron Leftwich look like Favre in terms of release. And in the end even though teams would have been more then willing to give a guy with a work ethic and positive locker room influence like Tebow a shot the attention that comes with a guy who really should be a third string QB is just such an unwelcome distraction. It wasn't Tebow's Christianity that led him out of the league, it was his fanatical followers. Granted Tebows instance on only playing QB didn't help either (
see Eric Crouch)
So going forward if anything happens to Sam many untrained laymans will automatically assume, oh The Rams or any other team is anti-gay. No, the guy is a 7th round pick. Even though he was productive in college he doesn't have the physical skill set that makes him a lock for the roster. The good news is though as a DE if he does make the team he can be rotated, unlike QB where if hes taken out for even a single play you end up with a media controversy (See
McNabb fitness).
I really hope Sam is successful and I applaud the Rams for drafting him. The problem though is, just like Tebow, we're going to end up with a lot of non-football types making declarations and accusations if he hits a snag before age 34. And maybe not even old age will save Sam from a controversy.
Quote:
2030 Headline: Rams cut 16 Year Veteran Sam. Save $18 Million in Cap Space
Comments: OMG Rams r s0 against Gheys. Every1 B0ycott th3m.
"Ya I agr33. A m4ssiv3 B0ycott is n 0rd3r"
"Umm, you guys realize he's 40 years old right? Thats kind of old in the NFL."
"Oh s0 ur anti-ghey and u hate 0ld p3pps. YOLO!"
"I didn't say that."
"EVEry1 b0ycott the OlD gai"
Related Article: Marshall Manning to Declare For NFL Draft After Storybook Freshman Year at Tennessee.
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