Obama applauds NFL hopeful Michael Sam for coming out
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. -- President Barack Obama is praising University of Missouri football player Michael Sam for announcing he is gay before the NFL draft.
Obama says Sam's attitude is that he knows he can play great football and that he should be judged only on those facts.
Sam could become the NFL's first openly gay player. The defensive end is scheduled to participate in the league's scouting camp in Indianapolis later this month. He's projected to be a mid-round draft pick in May.
First lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden sent Sam messages of encouragement over Twitter last week after his announcement. A spokesman had said Obama shared their sentiments.
Obama commented in a taped interview with Charles Barkley that aired during TNT's pregame coverage of Sunday's NBA All-Star game.
-
NFL Offensive, Defensive Rookie of the Year bets to make now, including a long shot
2024 NFL Schedule Release: Date, when does the season start?
What Blake Corum’s addition means for Kyren Williams, Rams’ rushing game
-
Why a former 250-pound lacrosse player is Bucs’ future leader on offensive line
2024-25 NFL MVP odds: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen early favorites
2024-25 NFL odds: Patriots open with lowest Over/Under win total since 1991
-
2025 NFL mock draft: Who are next year's top prospects
Texans owner: WR Tank Dell will make 'full recovery' after being wounded in shooting
J.J. Watt says he'd come out of retirement if Texans 'absolutely need it'
-
NFL Offensive, Defensive Rookie of the Year bets to make now, including a long shot
2024 NFL Schedule Release: Date, when does the season start?
What Blake Corum’s addition means for Kyren Williams, Rams’ rushing game
-
Why a former 250-pound lacrosse player is Bucs’ future leader on offensive line
2024-25 NFL MVP odds: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen early favorites
2024-25 NFL odds: Patriots open with lowest Over/Under win total since 1991
-
2025 NFL mock draft: Who are next year's top prospects
Texans owner: WR Tank Dell will make 'full recovery' after being wounded in shooting
J.J. Watt says he'd come out of retirement if Texans 'absolutely need it'