Disgraced and reputed NFL locker room bully Richie Incognito has tweeted his support for Missouri star Michael Sam, who is seeking to become the NFL's first openly gay player.
Still awaiting word from NFL officials investigating his official role in the Jonathan Martin bullying and hazing scandal that rocked the Miami Dolphins locker room and sent Martin bolting from the team around midseason, Incognito tweeted to Sam on Sunday "it takes guts to do what you did. I wish u nothing but the best."
Now a free agent, Incognito was immediately suspended by the Dolphins once the scandal became public and team officials have strongly since he nor Martin will ever play for the organization again.
An All-American defensive linemen and SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Sam admitted during an episode of ESPN's Outside The Lines on Sunday that he is gay. He added his Missouri teammates and coaches have known since August "I am an openly, proud gay man."
Eligible for the May's NFL Draft, Sam would be the first openly gay player on a NFL roster. "I understand how big this is," he told ESPN. "It's a big deal. No one has done this before. And it's kind of a nervous process, but I know what I want to be ... I want to be a football player in the NFL."
Sam admitted his decision to speak out now was hastened by a recent development at the Senior Bowl two weeks go, where he said, many already seemed aware of his sexual orientation.
"I didn't realize how many people actually knew, and I was afraid that someone would tell or leak something out about me," he told ESPN. "I want to own my truth. ... No one else should tell my story but me."
The NFL has already voiced its support for Sam, releasing a statement from senior vice president of communication Greg Aiello that expressed "we admire Michael Sam's honesty and courage. Michael is a football player. Any player with ability and determination can succeed in the NFL. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014."
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