Michael Sam announced on Friday that he is stepping away from football to protect his mental health. The announcement comes a week after he made his CFL debut, becoming the first openly gay player to play in a professional football game that we know of.
Here is the statement Sam issued via Twitter:
The last 12 months have been very difficult for me, to the point where I became concerned with my mental health. Because of this I am 1/3
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 14, 2015
going to step away from the game at this time. I thank the Alouettes for this opportunity and hope to be back on the field soon. Thank 2/3
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 14, 2015
you all for your understanding and support. 3/3
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 14, 2015
Sam left the Montreal Alouettes in June because of personal issues, which may have been related to his deteriorating relationship with his ex-fiance. Reports suggested in June that Sam did not feel secure in his playing ability. A report last week also said his teammates were taking issue with the perceived preferential treatment the former SEC Defensive Player of the Year was receiving.
Perhaps all of these factors weighed heavily on Sam and led him to step away from the game.
