Michael Sam leaves Canadian team for US for ‘personal reasons’
Ahead of his exhibition match with this new team the Montreal Alouettes, Michael Same has returned to the US for “personal reasons”.
The former SEC Defensive Player of the Year made history when he came out as gay last year – and has since had brief spells with the St Louis Rams and the Dallas Cowboys.
However, Sam was cut from both teams – and has not been signed to an NFL team since, but last week signed a two-year deal with Canadian team the Montreal Alouettes.
Sam left Canada to return to the US, as announced by the team.
The statement from the Alouettes on Friday said he had returned to the US, but did not specify why.
It went on to say that the decision was respected by the team, and that he could return “whenever he feels ready”.
“The Montreal Alouettes organization would like to clarify the situation surrounding international defensive end Michael Sam. Friday morning, Michael asked the team for special permission to leave training camp and return home for personal reasons.
Out of respect for Michael Sam, the nature of this decision will remain confidential.
The Montreal Alouettes fully respect Michael Sam’s decision and we rally around him to offer all the support needed. The team has left the door open and Michael is welcome to come back whenever he feels ready.
The organization will have no further comment on this matter at this time.
Sam is engaged to his fiancé Vito Cammisano, after proposing at the Vatican earlier this year.
Back in May, he said he is not trying to “do anything historic” by playing, but that he just wants to get on with it.
