Sam confident, funny
DE addresses Dolphins’ locker room culture
INDIANAPOLIS — He was asked if hewas a trailblazer. He was asked if he can play linebacker. Hewas asked about the challenges of the Miami Dol- phins locker room.
Former University of Missouri defensive end Michael Sam handled the onslaught of questions during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium with a calm demeanor during his first media session since announcing he was a gay player.
When asked if he was drafted by the Dolphins, a franchise who has been embroiled in a national bullying scandal, Sam attacked the question as if he were rushing a quarterback.
“If the Miami Dolphins drafted me, I would be excited to be a part of that organization,” said Sam, who could be the first openly gay player to be selected in the NFL Draft on May 8- 10. “But I’m not afraid of going into that environment. I know how to handle myself. I know how to communicate with my teammates. I know how to communicate with the coaches and other staff I need to communicate with.”
The Dolphins’ high- profile Richie Incognito- Jonathan Martin bullying scandal and the scathing Wells report that followed, however, show the NFL, and the Dolphins specifically, might not yet be ready for an openly gay player. But Sam is ready for them. “I’ve been in locker rooms
where all kinds of slurs have been said and I don’t think anyone means it,” Sam said. “I think [ it’s] a little naive and uneducated, but as time goes on everyone will adapt.”
Sambegan his overflowing media session with an opening statement.
“Good afternoon,” he began. “My name is Michael Sam. I play football for the University of Missouri. As you may know, Missouri is the “ShowMe” state, and you’d think I’d have shown you guys enough these last couple of weeks.
“But I’m learning with the media you guys still want more so ask your questions and I’ll answer them the best I can.”
Sam, who is projected to be selected between the third and fifth rounds of the seven- round NFL Draft, smiled and laughed frequently. He admonished, he shared, and he pleaded.
“I just wish you guys would see me as Michael Samthe football player,” he said, “instead of Michael Sam, the gay football player.”
Hewas engaging and intriguing. After being asked if he feels as though he’s a trailblazer he replied, “A trailblazer? I feel like I’m Michael Sam.”
Sam, dressed in shorts and the blue and black sweat top that all defensive players wore at the Combine, sported a “Stand With Sam” gay pride button that had the signature rainbow flag as a background.
“I hope all you guys ‘ Stand with Sam,’ by the way,” he said with a broad grin and a laugh. “Please do.”
Sam has been a national story since publicly acknowledging his sexual orientation. Sam told Missouri coach Gary Pinkel and his teammates about his sexuality inAugust. It neverwent public.
“Coach Pinkel really preaches family and stuff like trust and accountability,” Missouri offensive tackle Justin Britt said. “Itwasn’t our place to tell people his story. It was our place to protect his story.”
Missouri defensive end/ linebacker Kony Ealy, who is expected to drafted in the first round, described Sam as a normal guy.
“He’s always singing, which gets on my nerves sometimes,” Ealy said, “but he’s always fun to be around.”
Around campus, Sam is treated as a hero. He gets hugs from random students. Last weekend he got a standing ovation at a Missouri basketball game.
“I love Mizzou,” Sam said. “One of the best schools in the nation, and after what they did this past weekend it was just amazing.
“I wanted to cry, but I’m a man.”
Of course, public acceptance is one thing. It’s something totally different to be accepted in an NFL locker room.
New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan paints a Pollyannaish picture of the situation.
“I think he’d bewelcomed,” Ryan said. “It’d be no different than any other player we have.”