Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Richie Incognito does not have a reputation for being a kindhearted person, thanks in large part to the ongoing saga involving Jonathan Martin. He could have kept quiet on Sunday night, but instead (perhaps trying to improve his public image) Incognito was one of the first people to express support for Michael Sam.
@MikeSamFootball #respect bro. It takes guts to do what you did. I wish u nothing but the best
— Richie Incognito (@68INCOGNITO) February 10, 2014
Incognito was one of a number of athletes, executives and reporters to commend Sam for his courage after he decided to come out as gay.
One day it won't be such a huge ordeal to state who you are as a person, that day will reveal true progression. Cheers to Day 1.
— Martellus Bennett (@MartysaurusRex) February 10, 2014
Good for Michael Sam. Takes courage for where he is in his career and where we are as a league. I applaud him.
— Tom Crabtree (@itsCrab) February 10, 2014
Had multiple convos with @MikeSamFootball this year, amazed at his honesty & courage! Once a tiger, ALWAYS a Tiger!
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) February 10, 2014
Good for him RT @nfldraftscout: I'm amazed at your courage, Michael Sam. The NFL will have an active gay player. It's about time.
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) February 10, 2014
Good for Michael Sam.. Hopefully this'll inspire others to be comfortable and proud of who they are
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 10, 2014
Wishing nothing but the best of luck to this Michael Sam fella. Took a lot of guts to do what he just did before the big job interview
— Matt Overton (@MattOverton_LS) February 10, 2014
Hats off to you Michael Sam, that takes some guts #respect
— Jonathan A. Martin (@J_Martin71) February 10, 2014
Glad Michael Sam came out. Tired of hypotheticals regarding how team/fans would react. Let's find out.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) February 10, 2014
There is no room for bigotry in American sports. It takes courage to change the culture.
— Malcolm Smith (@MalcSmitty) February 10, 2014
Michael Sam isn't the 1st gay player in the NFL although he is the 1st 2 come out.#realtalk Let's show him love like a family member. Truth
— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) February 10, 2014
Unfortunately, the positive thoughts were not shared by everyone. Such is life. Had Sam been a player who came out before entering the NFL Draft 20 years ago, we would have seen a lot less love and a lot more hate.
H/T Sporting News
