Michael Sam: Not Gay Enough to Fail

By now most everyone has heard of Michael Sam. If not, he was the first openly gay football player drafted into the NFL. He was chosen in the final round a mere 7 people from not being selected at all and in draft position that historically rarely produces NFL starters or players. Why? Easy, the NFL is a money game and has limited spots available. Sam’s #249 in the draft comes after all the athletically valuable players (as determined by the NFL combine) were taken. It is hard from that draft position to compete against current players and other draftees.

Knowing that NFL teams want quality players and understanding that players late in the draft are rarely given starting positions if positions at all; I find it striking (maybe not) that Sam came out and blamed his sexual preference as the reason he was not placed on team. The following was an exchange with Michael Sam: Sam responded, when asked if it was the level of competition in the NFL or his decision to come out that was preventing him from sticking with a team. “So I don’t think it had to do with talent.”. Before and after being drafted, scouts had discussed at length the capabilities of the first openly gay football player. Even among the sports reports that supported his lifestyle, there was much concern for his ability to play at NFL levels.

In Sam’s defense, after that comment had gone viral, he did issue a tweet claiming he didn’t say what he said; “Despite what headlines you may read, I’ve never said and have never believed that I am being kept out of the league” Obviously, that last thing he needs is to upset the NFL and perspective employer by claiming they are ignorant to talent. Yet, I have little doubt the viral video reveals his true feeling on the subject and moving forward he will allow others to speak this truth for him. Which is currently happening as Outsports (a gay athlete media site) founder is quoted saying, “For now, there is no other explanation for the collective snub of Sam: NFL team front offices are not treating Michael Sam equally simply because he’s openly gay”.

The problem with the social justice movement in our country is the focus is not longer on acceptance, but instead on success. The goal has shifted from simply giving those granted minority status equal chance, to forcing the nation into a position where equal success is the only proof of social justice. They fail to realize is that equality in success will always result in mediocrity. In the long run harming the minorities by limiting everyone’s success.

If Michael Sam is granted the equal success as those drafted before him simply because of his minority status, he cheapens the accomplishments of those draftees. If accomplishments come second to your societal class, achievement suffers because it is no longer the goal; rather, promotion of you class becomes your driving force. Society granted Sam the ability to try for his dreams, this should give hope to others like him. By the same token, his failure should be a sign that you will be treated equally when you arrive. In doing so, that goal of Sam’s successors will be achievement driven rather than class driven. Unfortunately for Sam, he is unable to embrace his own life and instead must find a villain to give his life meaning.

*Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net