Full Contact: The Professional Sports World Has Been Touched by the "Coming Out" of NFL Prospect Michael San

Michael Sam came out this past weekend and it’s supposed to be a big deal.  Well it is, realistically, but for all the wrong reasons (it’s a reminder of how naïve and prejudice---and in some ways regressive--- our society still is).

And because of those reasons, I’m hesitant to write about Sam’s “coming out” because indirectly it justifies said wrong reasons.

As a black man that’s fairly conscious of the segregated and demonized history of his people, I try to be inclusive of all people in all situations.   Equality and fairness should always transcend gender or race.

We live in a culture today where unfortunately we’re conditioned to accept things that are illusional and phony.  At least Sam is keeping it real and when you consider the plastic nature of modern society, that’s worthy of respect.

And that’s what I’m highlighting: his honesty.  I once asked a black man (who was from the North) why did he move down south and he replied “I’d rather go where they’re calling me nigger to my face opposed to behind my back.”

Transparency is all you can ask from people nowadays.  Lay your game down flat from the start.  People are more willing to cope with your "issues" when you’re authentic.  That was Mantei Te'o's problem.  Not only did critics question his intelligence but they questioned his sincerity after he went back and forth with his catfish story after it was leaked to the press last year.  For the most part Sam has been forthright.

With millions of potential dollars ahead of him in this years NFL draft, Sam risked it all and “kept it 100” from the start.  “Take that wonderlic test! I have nothing to hide. I’ll get ahead of any story or info your team sources render!”  was the non-verbal statement made over the weekend to NFL scouts and organizations.

As a former athlete I never took showers with the team.  I used to think I was homophobic but I’m just a real private and particular person.Besides taking showers, another factor to a team (this case a potential football team) is the climate of the locker room.  We all see what transpired in the Richie Incognito/Jonathan Martin story, so we know things can take a left quickly.

 Again, Im just saluting Sams candor.  Nothing more. Nothing less.  I know there are people out there who feel like they are walking on eggshells and feel if they are critical (without being hateful or unfair) of a certain lifestyle decision then they will inevitably become demonized.   That’s not the case here either.

Last year we saw Jason Collins come out the closet and proclaim his sexual identity.  He was celebrated but that fire went out when it became evident Collins (at the tail end of his career and NOT a household name/star) would not be picked up by another NBA team.  Sam is the polar opposite on the scale.  He made his decision at the beginning of his career.  He has a clean slate for potential and potential superstardom.  That's what makes this whole story intriguing.  The verdict remains to be seen.  We may have to revisit this a couple years down the line if not sooner.

But as long as Michael Sam can help whichever team drafts him make plays and win football games, Im sure Sam won’t have too much trouble finding a way and blossoming in the NFL.