CBS Sports

One of the biggest stories heading into the final day of the 2014 NFL Draft was whether former Missouri linebacker Michael Sam, the NFL's first openly gay player, would be selected. He had to wait until the 249th pick, but the Rams finally took him.

"We were fortunate to have the supplemental choices," Fisher said shortly after selecting Sam. "You use those for players that you want to give an opportunity to, that you want to draft. He's a good football player. I'm excited about our draft and I'm excited about the possibility of adding him to our defensive front."

Historically, late-round picks don't earn regular-season roster spots, especially as rookies. And Fisher says that Sam, like any other player, will have to earn that right.

“[W]e picked him within the process and we're going to reduce this roster within the process,” Fisher said regarding Sam (via PFT). “So I don't see that being an issue.”

Put another way: If Sam doesn't earn a roster spot based on his performance in training camp and preseason games, he'll be released, just like most of the rookie seventh-rounders drafted by the 31 other NFL teams.

“[I]t's going to be very competitive for him, as it will be for some of the other guys, the later picks, because of the depth and the talent level at the position,” Fisher said. “He's going to have to come in, and like the rest of his new teammates, these rookies, they're not in shape. Not in the condition our veterans are in. He's going to have to work to get in great shape and we'll blend him in the offseason program and we'll go.”

The good news for Sam: As TheMMQB.com's Peter King notes, 18 of the 53 players on the Rams' opening-day roster were undrafted, and another three were seventh-round picks. Unfortunately, this team is stacked with pass rushers, with Robert Quinn and Chris Long leading the way, and William Hayes and Eugene Sims behind them.

But like every other player heading into training camp with something to prove, all Sam wants is an opportunity.

I think I'll keep my opinions to myself, but what are yours?

I think people should concern themselves with how well he does on the gridiron and not what he does off it.

I think people should concern themselves with how well he does on the gridiron and not what he does off it.

100% agreed.

The Rams are now on record saying that "if Sam isn't good enough, he won't make the team".

Yeah, right.

Good luck if you try to cut the first NFL draft pick to openly engage in homosexual activity. If you're the owner that cuts him, let's see how long you keep your team. If you're a coach and you want to cut him, see if you ever work again in this league.

The Rams are now on record saying that "if Sam isn't good enough, he won't make the team".

Yeah, right.

Good luck if you try to cut the first NFL draft pick to openly engage in homosexual activity. If you're the owner that cuts him, let's see how long you keep your team. If you're a coach and you want to cut him, see if you ever work again in this league.

Someone commented on Sam kissing his boyfriend...negatively...now he has to go into sensitivity training!

Looks like if you say one thing...you're an insane homophobe! That HAS to stop as well!

I saw that footage of Sam swapping-spit and smearing cake. Gross.

Made me want to vomit.

http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/05/14/michael-sam-reality-show/


Michael Sam gets reality show on Oprah net
By James Hibberd on May 14, 2014 at 6:14PM



Michael Sam, who made history when he became the first openly gay football player drafted into the NFL, is getting his own documentary series.

Oprah Winfrey’s cable network OWN announced a series following Sam as he prepares to play pro ball. The show will be produced by Craig Piligian and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Amy Rice (By The People: The Election of Barack Obama), who also made OWN’s recent candid Lindsay Lohan docu-series.

From the release, the as-yet-untitled show is described as “a deeply personal, up-close look at the remarkable man at the center of this groundbreaking moment in professional sports, as the former University of Missouri football player enters the competitive world of professional football. Cameras will follow Sam as he works to earn his spot on the St. Louis Rams all while under the intense scrutiny of being 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,” Winfrey said in a statement. “I am proud of the focus on authentic storytelling in our new documentary series format. The next real-life story we follow in The Untitled Michael Sam Project promises to spark valuable, important discussion on life in America today. Acceptance and illumination start here.”



Sam added: “Like every player out there working to make a team right now, my focus is on playing football to the very best of my ability. I am determined. And if seeing my story helps somebody else accept who they are and to go for their dreams too, that’s great. I am thankful to Oprah for her support and excited to work together.”

There is no premiere date yet announced.

OWN Postpones Michael Sam's Docuseries
by NELLIE ANDREEVA
May 16, 2014


Two days after Oprah Winfrey’s OWN announced a docu-series about Michael Sam, the first openly gay football player to be drafted into the NFL, the network is putting the project on hold.

“After careful consideration and discussion with the St. Louis Rams, The Untitled Michael Sam Project has been postponed, allowing Michael the best opportunity to achieve his dream of making the team. We will continue to support him in his journey to earn a OWN Logo Current spot playing for the Rams.”





Sam’s agent, Cameron Weiss of Empire Athletes, released a statement:

“After today’s meeting with the Rams, we collectively feel it is best to postpone the project. This will allow for Michael to have a total focus on football, and will ensure no distractions to his teammates. Everybody involved remains committed to this project and understands its historical importance as well as its positive message.”





The decision comes after the announcement of Sam’s OWN series was met with mixed reaction, with some contending it could be a distraction, and the NFL denying it had any knowledge of it before the draft.

Produced in partnership with Pilgrim Studios and filmmaker Amy Rice, the Untitled Michael Sam Project was to take an up-close look at the All-American defensive end and SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year as he enters the competitive world of pro football.

Cameras were to follow Sam as he works to earn his spot on the St. Louis Rams all while under the intense scrutiny of being the first openly gay player in the NFL.

http://www.deadline.com/2014/05/own-postpones-michael-sam-docuseries/

I think it's awesome and that footage of Michael being so emotional was very touching. I don't know anything about his playing career but I think he'll be a great asset to the team.

I'm so sick of these black athletes coming out talking about they're gay. If you're gay, keep that to yourself because you don't need to tell the world. I'll never understand gay men because there's so many beautiful women. Whether he knows it or not, he's gonna have some black men that are gonna confront him and try to provoke him to fight by saying some ignorant stuff to him. There may be some teammates that accept him being gay but i know most of his teammates aren't gonna accept him being gay. I don't care what he does in his personal life but he should be able to make the team because it would be stupid for the Rams to cut him when they drafted him. Give him a chance to prove himself for a few years and if he doesn't work out, then cut him.