National Football League

Michael Sam is Sports' Newest Hypocrite

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:55 p.m. ET

foxsports

Michael Sam wants to have it both ways, and that’s a problem.

Ever since publicly announcing on February 9th that he was gay, Sam became much more than a run-of-the-mill Day 3 NFL Draft prospect. He became a public figure and a lightning rod in the discussion of homosexuality in professional sports.

That’s why ever since the St. Louis Rams drafted Sam with the 249th pick on Saturday, he’s attracted more media attention than No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney. Hell, he’s even a bigger story than Johnny Football.

Listen to Sam speak, though, and it’s hard not to be impressed with his apparent dedication to the game and his firm desire to be treated equally among the rest of his professional peers.

“I just wish you guys would see me as ‘Michael Sam the football player,’ instead of ‘Michael Sam the gay football player,'” Sam said at the NFL Combine in February.

Bingo.

That is a difficult hurdle that America has to overcome when dealing with openly gay athletes. Jason Collins and Michael Sam, the first two homosexuals in the four major sports to come out, are benchwarmers. However, they are also leaders in the fight to make their stories…well…non-stories. It’s hard.

Now that the post-draft hoopla has begun to settle, Sam had an opportunity to continue that fight: to help America think of him (and any future homosexual athlete) as just another athlete.

That was before Oprah stepped in.

On Wednesday, the Oprah Winfrey Network announced it is working on a reality TV series following Sam’s journey to become the first openly gay player in the NFL.

“We are honored that Michael is trusting us with his private journey in this moment that has not only made history but will shape it forever…I am proud of the focus on authentic storytelling in our new documentary series format,” Winfrey said in a statement.

OK, now I’m confused.

If Sam truly wanted to be recognized as a football player – only a football player – why allow this to happen?

“If seeing my story helps somebody else accept who they are and to go for their dreams too, that’s great.”

He’s absolutely right. Sam should be an inspiration to the thousands of other gay athletes in all sports, of all ages. His story should encourage those who lack the courage to come out to their friends, family and/or teammates.

Having said that, there’s nothing more that Sam needs to do besides making the Rams’ 53-man roster that will help him be that inspiration. We already know he’s gay.

Like Sam said, he wants to be known as a football player – not a gay football player.

If he shows up this fall and makes an NFL roster, he’ll still accomplish his goal of helping others accept their own lifestyles and be that motivation they need. You’ve all seen the news this week – just getting drafted was a national headline. If he wants to be treated like a normal player, he should do everything in his power to act like one. By allowing himself to be the centerpiece of his own reality show, it sends a mixed message.

This country is full of hypocrites – professional athletes and coaches included.

It turns out that Michael Sam is no different.

Follow Josh on Twitter @JoshParcell