US: Michael Sam’s teammate mocks ESPN for sexuality coverage
One of Michael Sam’s teammates has attacked the broadcaster ESPN for continually referencing the player’s sexuality.
Sam made history as the first out NFL player when he was drafted by the St Louis Rams earlier this year, and is currently embarking on the beginning of his playing career with the team.
However, the sports network has attracted criticism for continually referencing Sam’s sexuality, and in one report, his showering habits.
ESPN reporter Josina Anderson claimed: “[A] defensive player told me that ‘Sam is respecting our space’ and that, from his perspective, he seems to think that Michael Sam is waiting to take a shower, as not to make his teammates feel uncomfortable.”
Rams defensive end Chris Long yesterday took to Twitter to call on the channel to move on from the issue.
He wrote: “Dear ESPN, Everyone but you is over it.”
Dear ESPN, Everyone but you is over it.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) August 26, 2014
Sam made his debut for the team this month, in a pre-season match against the New Orleans Saints.
Last month, former Colts coach Tony Dungy said he wouldn’t have signed Sam, because he “wouldn’t want to deal with all of it”.
American Family Association president Tim Wildmon later leapt to Dungy’s defence, claiming he is worried Sam will be able to see “all that beefcake” in the shower.
Watch the ESPN report below:
