Michael Sam is about to make history by becoming the first openly gay active athlete in a major North American sport (no disrespect MLS).
The SEC Defensive Player of the Year from Missouri came out over the weekend as scouts were starting to pick up on the rumors. He told his teammates at the beginning of last season and they amazingly kept his secret en route to one of the best Tigers’ season ever.
The Internet, of course, reacted in the most explosive way the internet can.
His announcement is groundbreaking and begs a mountain of questions such as draft status, locker room treatment — which is sure to vary by team — media maelstroms, and, of course, fan responses.
Below are the best and worst of the Twitter responses. Pay special attention to the call for Richie Incognito to be a teammate….
The Head Shaking Bad:
@romelinkkc @MikeSamFootball We changed picket schedule to 2/15/14 from 2:30-3:00 PM @Mizzou pic.twitter.com/bOoST7ocPe
— Westboro Baptist (@WBCSays) February 10, 2014
Sucks how ppl act like Michael Sam just saved the world from complete destruction but they stone Tim Tebow when he reads from the Bible.
— Drew Haggerty (@HaggertyU) February 10, 2014
@Brettlee93 I’d rather be 100% moron that 10% GAY. In some old Italian man’s voice, you’re a half a fag for saying something like that
— Rap Referee™☻ (@RapReferee) February 10, 2014
Michael Sam father has failed. Fuck all his accomplishments, records, and etc.. yo sons a faggot.
— Scuse Me™ (@_TreyMal) February 10, 2014
At the end of the day if we were all gay the population would be 0 u dumb fucks…ppl mad cause I’m the only who choose to speak the truth
— Julius Caesar ™ (@DewuanS) February 10, 2014
If Michael Sam is drafted i hope Richie Incognito signs with that team so he has a fag to pick on #gay
— Coby Hower Sr. (@Coby_Hower) February 10, 2014
The Good:
@MikeSamFootball #respect bro. It takes guts to do what you did. I wish u nothing but the best
— Richie Incognito (@68INCOGNITO) February 10, 2014
Michael Sam isn’t the 1st gay player in the NFL although he is the 1st 2 come out.#realtalk Let’s show him love like a family member. Truth
— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) February 10, 2014
And even though we’ve said it for the sake of space, this isn’t a coming out story. Michael Sam has been out. He’s just inviting us all in.
— Patrick Burke (@BurkieYCP) February 10, 2014
Michael Sam coming out was such a “locker room distraction” that I guess he just distracted Mizzou all the way to the SEC title game?
— Sean Doolittle (@whatwouldDOOdo) February 10, 2014
“League’s not ready,” “distraction” — GMs comments about Michael Sam echo Jackie Robinson stuff 50 yrs ago: http://t.co/7BifSxv8FD
— Joshua Green (@JoshuaGreen) February 10, 2014
As if Michael Sam hadn’t already impressed the hell out of you, now he’s showing how brave he is, too.
— Kent Babb (@kentbabb) February 10, 2014
Reason #532 why I hate pro football: http://t.co/aY2qBYBZH7. #mikesam #courage
— pat locke (@plocke) February 10, 2014
Also worth noting, Mizzu football had one its 2 best seasons since 1960 after Sam came out to team. Distraction? Morale hit? Nil.
— Kevin Arnovitz (@kevinarnovitz) February 10, 2014
@BHiltbrandWVVA it upsets me that some GMs think it’s easier PR to keep an alleged rapist on the team than an openly gay man. #sad
— Mary Ellen (@MaryellenDG) February 10, 2014
I could care less about a man’s sexual preference! i care about winning games and being respectful in the locker room!
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) February 10, 2014
The Funny:
@MikeSamFootball How are you adding so many followers so fast do you have any tips
— Fake Bo Pelini (@FauxPelini) February 10, 2014
I hope when @MikeSamFootball reports to camp, the media covers the distraction angle. Oh wait, the media IS the distraction
— John P. Wise (@wisejohnp) February 10, 2014
Watched some tape. Michael Sam does seem to be a huge distraction. Opposing QBs kept looking for him every time they dropped back.
— Patrick Burke (@BurkieYCP) February 10, 2014
You know what will be the coolest? The day when it won’t matter if a Michael Sam is gay. Baby steps.
— Jeff Rosen (@jeff_rosen88) February 10, 2014
Brian Reddoch is a CraveOnline reporter and rabid fan of all teams Seattle. You can follow him on Twitter @ReddReddoch or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
