The latest piece of investigative journalism on the part of ESPN: a report on St. Louis Rams rookie Michael Sam's showering schedule at practice.
The Rams have given every indication that they will judge Sam on his merit as a football player, but reports on how Sam, who is attempting to become the first openly gay football player on an active NFL roster, decides on when to take a shower after practice has to give them pause if he is on the bubble between making the roster or being cut.
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Call it the "Tim Tebow effect." A perception exists that 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow still would be in the NFL if his publicly stated Christian values didn't invite hordes of media attention wherever he played.
Could ESPN's report pushed Sam further into Tebow territory, adding on to the media fascination with a gay player looking to become the first one on an active NFL roster?
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The Washington Post is one of several media outlets to report that ESPN's Josina Anderson talked about the dilemma Sam faces in showering with his teammates.
Anderson reported that a Rams defender, whom she did not name, told her that "Sam is respecting our space" and that from his perspective, he seems to think that Michael Sam is waiting to kind of take a shower as not to make his teammates feel uncomfortable."
She added that defensive tackle Kendall Langford and linebacker Alex Ogletree didn't know that specifically.
The report drew a comment from Rams defensive tackle Chris Long on Twitter:
Dear ESPN, Everyone but you is over it.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) August 26, 2014
Others also chimed in via Twitter.
Is @JosinaAnderson really talking about @MichaelSamNFL's shower routine/habits? Damn, @espn, there are @mlb races going on, ya know? — Molly Yanity (@mollyyanity) August 26, 2014
Literally reporting on Michael Sam's shower schedule. Plz stop. @SportsCenter
— Susan (@damnSUZ) August 26, 2014
When Tebow, whom the Denver Broncos drafted in the first round during the 2010 NFL Draft, entered the league, he drew more media coverage than his athletic talent commanded alone.
Sam is in the same boat. He survived St. Louis' first round of cuts that trimmed its roster to 75 players on Tuesday, but the second round of cuts will determine whether he makes the roster.
It's sad that not only do the Rams have to determine whether Sam belongs on their 53-man roster but also whether they're prepared to be subject to further Michael Sam showering reports.
Did ESPN step over the line in reporting Michael Sam's showering habits? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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