Michael Sam: ‘See Me as Michael Sam, the Football Player’
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Stacy Revere/Getty Images(INDIANAPOLIS) — The NFL’s first openly gay draft prospect and former Missouri Tigers All-American defensive end Michael Sam is hoping that people continue to stand by him.
Sporting a “Stand with Sam,” on his combine gear, Sam encouraged others to get on board.
“I hope all you guys stand with Sam … please do,” Sam said. “I went to a basketball game against Tennessee, a very kind lady gave it to me. I gave her a hug, I got a lot of support out there.”
Sam said he was hoping to get football related questions on Saturday instead of about his sexuality.
“Heck yeah, I wish you guys would tell me, ‘Michael Sam, how’s football going?'” Sam said. “I would love for you to ask me that question, but it is what it is.”
“And I just wish you guys would see me as Michael Sam, the football player, instead of Michael Sam, the gay football player,” he continued.
Sam said he would be fine being drafted by the Miami Dolphins even after hearing about their bullying situation.
“If [the] Miami Dolphins drafted me, I would be excited to be a part of that organization,” Sam said. “I’m not afraid about going into that environment. I know how to handle myself, I know how to communicate with my teammates, I know how to communicate with coaches … and whoever I need to communicate with.”
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