Michael Sam has left the Montreal Alouettes for “personal reasons” less than a month after signing with them.
Sam signed with the team in late May and had been working with the third-team defense, according to the Montreal Gazette. He had missed practice on Thursday and Friday citing a migraine.
“With all due respect for Michael Sam, the nature of this decision will remain confidential,” the team said in a statement.
“The Montreal Alouettes fully respect Michael Sam’s decision and rally around him to offer him all time and support needed. The team has left the door open and Michael is welcome to come back whenever he feels ready.”
TSN’s Rick Moffat bumped into Sam at the airport, introduced himself, and provided a few details via Twitter of his encounter.
“Just bumped into (Sam) at Trudeau. Headed home for personal reasons. Only small Cotton Bowl bag with him,” TSN 690’s Rick Moffat tweeted. “Seemed rushed, mind elsewhere when I introduced myself. Don’t think he had enough luggage with him to be bailing or bugging out.”
Even though Sam didn’t appear to be a primary player for the team, Moffat reports that the team hopes Sam would be back for their season opener next week.
Sam was selected in the 7th round of the NFL draft by the Rams last year but cut before the start of the season. The Cowboys later picked him up and added him to their practice squad before also cutting him. Sam participated on “Dancing With the Stars” prior to joining the Alouettes.
