Former Missouri defensive star Michael Sam, potentially the NFL's first ever openly gay active player has endured many hardships and heartbreaks in his life. However, the latest one coming from his father may rank high on the list.
Upon texting his father that he was gay prior to coming out publicly this weekend, Sam's father, a self-professed "old-school" guy, told The New York Times he was driven to drink by the news.
"I couldn't eat no more, so I went to Applebee's to have drinks," Sam Sr. said. "I don't want my grandkids raised in that kind of environment." Sam's dad also said the idea of gay players in the NFL "bothers" him, and said the late Hall of Fame Rams terror Deacon Jones would be "turning over in his grave."
Sam Sr. is obviously uncomfortable with the homosexual lifestyle, but he also thinks Sam Jr.'s admission will make his life harder, and his NFL dream more difficult to achieve. "As a black man, we have so many hurdles to cross. This is just one he has to cross," Sam Sr. said before insisting he still loves his son and hopes he makes it to the pros.
Sam Jr. admitted that he is not particularly close with his immediate family, preferring to stay with friends when he is home. However, he did tell The Times on Sunday that his parents took the news well initially.
"I told my mom and dad last week, and they just pretty much said, 'We knew and we love you and support you,'" he said. "I'm their baby boy. I'm the first to go to college. I'm the first to graduate college. Something like this is just another milestone."
Sam's biggest hurdle may be proving that he is an NFL caliber talent; he's currently ranked as the 12th-best pass rusher in the upcoming draft according to ESPN.com, despite earning SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2013 and racking up 11.5 sacks.
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