Mystery over Sam’s exit from Als
Mystery continues to surround player's training-camp departure
QUEBEC — With each passing day, more and more conspiracy theories emerge concerning Michael Sam and why he requested permission on Friday to leave the Alouettes’ training camp for personal reasons.
And yet the mystery remains as deep, with no definitive statement emerging from the organization. Sam’s California-based agent, Joe Barkett, also remains mute since claiming in a text message to the Montreal Gazette late Thursday — the player’s first day missing practice — that Sam was suffering from a migraine.
The story will die down eventually, with Sam being a footnote in Als history — the first openly gay player to be drafted by an NFL team, signed by Montreal amid unusual fanfare, and then failing to last three weeks with the Canadian Football League club.
Sam, a rush-end, has been put on the Als’ suspended list. While general manager Jim Popp says the door remains open for his return, another source within the organization virtually guaranteed the likelihood of that happening is non-existent.
The source also chided Sam for appearing on the reality TV series Dancing With the Stars instead of preparing for the upcoming season.
“Everything that has been said is done,” head coach Tom Higgins said after Saturday’s exhibition game against the Ottawa Redblacks. “A lot of things happened and unfolded. That’s not to be discussed. We’re putting that behind us.”
Popp added: “There’s nothing to tell you. He wanted to go home, and that’s what he did. I don’t know why. When a guy wants to go home, they go home. He had some personal things to take care of.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he returns. I’m surprised he left. I was very surprised. If he doesn’t come back, I would think football’s over for him. He’s the one that has to face that. But I don’t think he doesn’t want to play football. That’s why he came here.”
After playing at the University of Missouri, being drafted in the seventh round by the St. Louis Rams and spending a month on the Dallas Cowboys’ practice roster, it was clear the 6-foot-2, 260-pound Sam was having trouble adjusting to Canadian professional football. That included the yard off the ball and the two-point stance. But he showed improvement during the second week of camp and seemed more comfortable on one-on-one drills.
Another team source said Sam may have overreacted to a comment made by another player. “All I know is I heard somebody made a comment about him, about how he wasn’t very good and wasn’t having a very good camp. He took it personally and was pouting in his room,” the source said. “It’s very strange. I have no idea what’s going on. He might have a personal issue.”
"If he doesn't come back, I would think football's over." Jim Popp