Many have expressed their displeasure with ESPN’s coverage of Michael Sam and his upcoming NFL regular season debut. They feel the network is devoting too much time to speculating about Sam’s locker room interactions with his teammates, and unfairly focusing on his sexual preference over his gameplay. It remains a matter of controversy that’s divided the online community. But one thing tweeters and comment boards haters across the web can hopefully agree on is that when Harry Styles uses his considerable influence to lend support to Sam – and by extension the LGBT community – it’s pretty cool. That’s Harry sporting a Sam jersey during the One Direction concert in St. Louis last night. The wardrobe decision has caught the attention of fans worldwide, and both Sam and the Rams tweeted their thanks to Harry after the show. While the 1D official Twitter page had to fill fans in on who Sam is (both Brits and tweenage girls tend to fall outside of the NFL’s demographic range), once word got out about Harry’s subtle show of support, the perennial fan favorite received more onlone love than even he’s accustomed to. In fact, you’d have to go back to the time Styles posted a naked photo to Instagram to find an occasion in which more 1D fans squealed with delight. And to think – Sam’s jersey was one of the league’s best-sellers before it received the Styles seal of approval. 20 Brilliant Photos of Harry Styles 1. Harry Styles in Italy Harry Styles is front and center with his One Direction mates in this photo. It’s from a performance in Italy.
From Lindsay Lohan to… Michael Sam? Let no one accuse Oprah Winfrey’s struggling television network of not being diverse. OWN announced today that that it will air a series which chronicles Sam’s journey as the first openly gay player in the NFL, with a press release describing the program as “a deeply personal, up-close look at the remarkable man at the center of this groundbreaking moment in professional sports.” Sam was drafted in the 7th round of last week’s NFL draft and will head this summer to the St. Louis Rams training camp. He still must make the 53-man roster this fall. “We are honored that Michael is trusting us with his private journey in this moment that has not only made history but will shape it forever,” Winfrey said in a statement. “I am proud of the focus on authentic storytelling in our new documentary series format. The next real-life story we follow in The Untitled Michael Sam Project promises to spark valuable, important discussion on life in America today. Acceptance and illumination start here.” ESPN cameras captured Sam receiving a call from Rams head coach on Saturday, alerting him to his selection. It was a special, raw moment: Michael Sam Drafted by St. Louis Rams Of course, it also became a controversial moment because people suck and took issue with multiple images of Sam kissing his boyfriend . Said Sam:”Like every player out there working to make a team right now, my focus is on playing football to the very best of my ability. I am determined. And if seeing my story helps somebody else accept who they are and to go for their dreams too, that’s great. I am thankful to Oprah for her support and excited to work together.” 26 Celebrities Who Are Out and Proud 1. Ellen Page Ellen Page made a major announcement in early 2014: She’s gay. We applaud her for it.
Michael Sam was drafted into the NFL on Saturday, but the conversation is stuck on his reaction. After hearing the news, Sam proceeded to affectionately…
Michael Sam, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year, came out as gay tonight in interviews with ESPN and The New York Times. Simply put, “I am an openly, proud gay man,” the former Missouri defensive end say, adding: “I understand how big this is. It’s a big deal. No one has done this before. And it’s kind of a nervous process, but I know what I want to be … I want to be a football player in the NFL.” Michael Sam: I’m Gay Assuming Sam is drafted in May, he will accomplish this goal, becoming the first open homosexual to play professionally in America. “I didn’t realize how many people actually knew, and I was afraid that someone would tell or leak something out about me,” Sam said . “I want to own my truth. … No one else should tell my story but me.” Sam also said that his Missouri coaches and teammates have known about his sexuality since August. What was it like to come out to those around him at that time? “I was kind of scared, even though they already knew,” he said. Just to see their reaction was awesome. They supported me from Day One. I couldn’t have better teammates. … I’m telling you what: I wouldn’t have the strength to do this today if I didn’t know how much support they’d given me this past semester.” Last year, Jason Collins became the first active NBA player to admit he is gay. Considering his tough past in Texas – Sam saw his brother get shot; had an infant sister pass away; and has two other brothers in prison – the aspiring pro says “telling the world I’m gay is nothing compared to that.” And he’s prepared to his life to change as a result of the announcement. “I’m not afraid to tell the world who I am. I’m Michael Sam: I’m a college graduate. I’m African American, and I’m gay,” he said to conclude his ESPN interview. “I’m comfortable in my skin.”
Potential Spring of 2014 first round NFL Draft Pick Michael Sam did something unprecedented today…he came out. In a brave move Sam revealed what his team already…
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