Supporters 'Stand With Sam' to block Westboro Baptist Church protest of former Tiger
ST. LOUIS -- The controversial Westboro Baptist Church used Saturday's Missouri basketball game against Tennessee in Columbia as an opportunity to show its disapproval of Michael Sam.
But the handful of protesters who gathered in Columbia to picket and denounce Sam -- the former Mizzou defensive end and future NFL player who announced last Sunday that he is gay -- were met with some resistance.
Sam's supporters countered with Stand With Sam, with hundreds if not thousands lining up in support of him to form a human wall along South Providence Road.
The line continues to grow along the north side of Stadium for the #StandWithSam event. @CoMissourian pic.twitter.com/AYgBsvcnia
— Brandon Foster (@BFoster91) February 15, 2014
As MU's student body president and an openly gay man, I proudly #StandWithSam and all members of the LGBTQ community that call Mizzou home.
— Mason Schara (@MSAPresident) February 10, 2014
Protestors march with flags #Mizzou pic.twitter.com/RLuNBJSc7P
— Jack Witthaus (@JackWitthaus) February 15, 2014
At least one of Sam's former teammates, Max Copeland, was among the people who lined up to show their support.
Missouri football player Max Copeland out to support the #StandWithSam event on Stadium Blvd. @CoMissourian pic.twitter.com/oLD18pnEaG
— Brandon Foster (@BFoster91) February 15, 2014
The Sam supporters broke up their wall a few minutes before the start of the basketball game. The Missouri football team, including Sam, was honored at halftime.
Mizzou basketball ushers wearing "Stand with Sam" pins for today's game against Tennessee pic.twitter.com/tLUe1LBVbw
— Maddy Glab (@MadGlab) February 15, 2014
Westboro Baptist Church called the event a "great picket!" via its Twitter account, which also aimed some messages directly at Sam.
Um, @MikeSamFootball sorry to tell you that "human wall" was pathetic. They got nothin' for ya' dude! We do! #GetBackSammy #ThinkAboutUrSoul
— Westboro Baptist (@WBCSays) February 15, 2014
