Former NFL coach Tony Dungy made headlines this week telling the Tampa Tribune what he would’ve done when it came to drafting Michael Sam, the NFL’s first openly gay player.
“I wouldn’t have taken him,’’ Dungy told theTampa Tribune. “Not because I don’t believe Michael Sam should have a chance to play, but I wouldn’t want to deal with all of it. It’s not going to be totally smooth . . . things will happen.’’
After plenty of backlash, Dungy eventually clarified his comments saying that Sam “absolutely” deserves a chance to play in the NFL pointing to the media coverage that would end up posing the distraction to the team.
I do not believe Michael’s sexual orientation will be a distraction to his teammates or his organization. I do, however, believe that the media attention that comes with it will be a distraction.
Michael Sam though eventually commented on Dungy’s remarks to ESPN’s beat writer for the Rams Nick Wagoner who posted the comments on Twitter:
Sam on Dungy's comments: "Thank God he wasn't the St. Louis Rams coach. (laughs) I have a lot of respect for Coach Dungy." (1 of 2)
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) July 22, 2014
"And like everyone in America, everyone is entitled to their own opinions." (2 of 2)
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) July 22, 2014
Sam could have said more but didn’t, especially after Dungy’s backtracking today. Hell this further helps Sam who may have taken a hit on his image when he didn’t notify the Rams of that pending reality show with Oprah. Dungy on the other hand perhaps is showing why he may not be the best candidate to take over a team in the NFL if he wanted to. Yes Dungy’s certainly entitled to his opinion but when you consider the struggles of minorities in professional sports whether it be skin color or now sexual orientation the comments made by the former coach are disappointing.
Where would sports be if initial chances weren’t given?
