It looks like the Rams won't have the first openly gay player in NFL take the field when the regular season starts. The team has cut Michael Sam. He lost the competition for a roster spot to Ethan Westbrooks an undrafted defensive lineman out of West Texas A&M.
After being drafted No. 249, Sam responded to the attention by putting up a good performance for preseason. He had a forgettable one-tackle performance during his first preseason game against the Saints, but followed it up with his first sack against the Packers and an instantly memorable one on Johnny Manziel. Sam capped his preseason run with a team-high six tackles against the Miami.
Sam officially hit the waivers at 4 PM, which gives the other teams until noon on Sunday to claim him. If no one does, he's eligible to sign with a practice squad.
So he still has a chance to play a down in the regular season, but this is a weighty setback especially after seeing his drama play out on screen.
UPDATE:
I want to thank the entire Rams organization and the city of St. Louis for giving me this tremendous opportunity and allowing me to (1/2)
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 30, 2014
show I can play at this level. I look forward to continuing to build on the progress I made here toward a long and successful career (2/2)
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 30, 2014
The most worthwhile things in life rarely come easy, this is a lesson I've always known. The journey continues.
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 30, 2014
[via ESPN]
