Michael Sam, First Openly Gay Player Drafted By NFL Team, Announces He's Stepping Away From Game
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The first openly gay football player to be drafted by an NFL team has decided to step away from the game for now.
Michael Sam announced on Twitter he would be stepping away from football, saying stress from the last year has made him become concerned with his mental health.
The last 12 months have been very difficult for me, to the point where I became concerned with my mental health. Because of this I am 1/3
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSam52) August 14, 2015
going to step away from the game at this time. I thank the Alouettes for this opportunity and hope to be back on the field soon. Thank 2/3
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSam52) August 14, 2015
you all for your understanding and support. 3/3
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSam52) August 14, 2015
Sam played his first game with the Montreal Alouettes last week in the Candadian Football League. He did not register a tackle.
Sam was drafted in the seventh round by the St. Louis Rams in 2014, but cut just before the season began. He joined the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad in September, but released him at the end of October.
Sam was the SEC co-defensive player of the year at Missouri in his senior season.