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Michael Sam’s father: Anti-gay comments were ‘terribly misquoted’

Feb 14 2014
Written by Nick Duffy

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

Michael Sam’s father has said that he was ‘terribly misquoted’ in a recent interview in which he made negative statements about his son’s sexuality.

In an interview with the New York Times on Wednesday, Michael Sam Sr, the father of the newly-out football player had allegedly said he didn’t want his grandkids raised “in that kind of environment”, that football legend Deacon Jones would be “rolling over in his grave”, and that he “couldn’t eat” after finding out his son was gay.

Speaking to the Galveston County Daily News, Michael Sam Sr said he was “terribly misquoted” by the paper.

He said: “I did not say anything about my grandkids.

“I told [The Times] that my brother and I are old-school football fans.

“I told them that Deacon Jones is going to roll over in his grave because here comes my son and that’s he’s going to be a star in the NFL.

“My son did the right thing, and I am not against him at all. He has made a great statement in coming out, and that he should be able to play in the NFL. I love him unconditionally.”

New York Times sports editor Jason Stallman defended the interview, saying: “We generally are not inclined to discuss the details of our reporting, but I can assure you that we quoted Mr. Sam accurately and fairly.

“I’ve gone over it with our reporters, and everything was rock solid, beyond any doubt.”