The Question is Not Whether He Was Cut but Will He Be Picked Up?

Michael Sam, the first openly gay NFL aspirant, was cut by the St. Louis Rams.  After almost being undrafted, Sam’s dream came true.  He was drafted in the late rounds (249^th to be exact) by the St. Louis Rams.  He had won many defensive player accolades as he starred at the University of Missouri.  It was almost a storybook tale! UM star gets to play for the St. Louis, MO. football team in the regular season…….hope springs eternal! 

But the reality of the Rams having a plethora of all-star quality defensive ends and the emergence of an undrafted defensive end whose pre-season rating numbers far exceeded those of Sam made the decision by the numbers clear…………regardless of race, sexual preference, nice guy criteria, Michael Sam needed to be put on waivers.  In professional sports, like it or not, it’s about putting the best players on the field. Then the team can win! That puts hometown fans in the stands and attracts advertising sponsors to pay the price so that those whose livelihood (from the multi-dollar contract player to the low wage earning vendor selling popcorn or beer in stands) depends on the team’s success will also be winners.

BUT NOW COMES THE REAL TEST OF WHERE OUR SOCIETY STANDS ON THE LGBT QUESTION.  Will Michael Sam be picked up off the waiver list by another team?  By the numbers Michael Sam is more proficient at his defensive end position than many veterans and rookies in the league.  There are at least several teams that have defensive linemen on their roster with less skill than Michael Sam.  Jeff Fisher, the Rams’ coach, acknowledged that Michael Sam has the ability to play in the NFL……just not on a talented defensive end laden team in St. Louis.  Now the question of our society’s – particularly in the world of sport – openness on LGBT justice issues is really being tested.  We now know Michael Sam has “got game” but will he be able to play in the NFL game?    

Michael Sam knew the truth and knew the numbers and made a statement that displayed his gracious and tenacious character when he tweeted: "I want to thank the entire Rams organization and the city of St. Louis for giving me this tremendous opportunity and allowing me to show I can play at this level.  I look forward to continuing to build on the progress I made here toward a long and successful career. The most worthwhile things in life rarely come easy, this is a lesson I've always known. The journey continues ..."

Several months ago it was about a gay being drafted by an NFL team.  It was first-and-ten.  Now it’s about a rising NFL prospect who proved he can play.  Now it’s second-and-three.  Those who have defended injustice are rapidly losing ground!  Hallelujah!