John Elway: Hey, I'd have no problem in drafting Michael Sam:
Sam, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound defensive end and linebacker from Missouri who is projected to go in the middle rounds of the NFL draft May 8-10, announced Sunday that he is gay.
Elway said Sam's on-field ability, not his sexual orientation, would affect his scouting grade.
"I applaud Michael Sam and wish him the very best as he continues the pursuit of his NFL dream," Elway said Monday.
"As we look toward the combine and draft, we will evaluate Michael just like any other draft prospect — on the basis of his ability, character and NFL potential. His announcement will have no effect on how we see him as a football player. Having spent 16 years in an NFL locker room (as a player), the bottom line is that it's about treating others with respect and earning that respect. By all indications, it appears Michael has done just that throughout his football career."
That's easy to say, but surely he and all the others considering Sam will have a nagging little doubt in the back of their minds. Because of the "historic first" aspect of Sam's story and the state the culture is in today, there will be a media circus wherever he goes. Whichever team hires him is going to have a tough time coping with the frenzy, which will start affecting the quality of its play.
Or is that just a variation of what people used to say about interracial couples in an effort to show they weren't prejudiced? "Personally, I have nothing against it, but just think about what their children will go through."
Just wondering.
