The Rams drafting Michael Sam moved American sports forward on Saturday. So did the way sports television covered the moment.
This was two stories. The first was the story of a gifted athlete trying to live out his dream of playing a sport professionally and a team giving him that chance in the hope of improving its own odds for success. "On the field" as folks say.
The "off the field" story was the question as to whether an NFL franchise would use a draft pick on an openly gay player. We have our answer and the Rams' move will make it an easier call for the next team to do it.
And the reaction to Sam's selection has been largely positive, which should make the next player's decision to come out a bit easier. This is win-win-win all-around.
Thank you to Jeff Fisher and the Rams organization for making this move. You helped the country. I hope that this choice also helps your football team. I'm sure that Sam will work like crazy to make that happen.
A football player being drafted isn't news. Well, it isn't news outside of sports journalism. This pick is news because it is a "first." It is a move to make a backwards nation a bit less backwards. These moves will garner fewer headlines as time moves on. That is the way that it should be.
For now, however, and while remaining a Broncos fan for life, I'll be a Rams fan, too. Good luck to Sam and his team!
12 May 2014
14 May 2014 Addition: "Unnecessary Tenderness"
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