Missouri defensive end Michael Sam has already received a tremendous amount of support from NFL teams, players and coaches since his decision to publicly come out as gay on Sunday evening. Still, we knew there would be some people who are not willing to accept the possibility of an openly gay player in the NFL. Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Patrick Crayton is one of them.
After ESPN’s Outside the Lines published its story on Sunday, Crayton took to Twitter to share his thoughts on Sam. Basically, he ripped him for coming out of the closet and said he should keep his sexual preference to himself.
"@AdamSchefter: Missouri DE Michael Sam, a projected mid-round pick, said today he's gay. Story now on ESPN2." Oh wow!!! There goes the NFL!
— patrick crayton (@pcrayton12) February 10, 2014
"@AdamSchefter: Missouri DE Michael Sam, a projected mid-round pick, said today he's gay. Story now on ESPN2." trying to figure why annonce
— patrick crayton (@pcrayton12) February 10, 2014
"@AdamSchefter: Missouri DE Michael Sam, a projected mid-round pick, said today he's gay. Story now on ESPN2." Stay in the closet and keep
— patrick crayton (@pcrayton12) February 10, 2014
"@AdamSchefter: Missouri DE Michael Sam, a projected mid-round pick, said today he's gay. Story now on ESPN2." To urself!!!
— patrick crayton (@pcrayton12) February 10, 2014
Crayton also took the “I don’t walk around telling everyone I’m straight” approach, which we know is one of the most popular copouts for homophobia. After receiving a ton of backlash, Crayton tried to explain his stance.
“A lot of people are mad because I said there goes the NFL,” he wrote. “I say that because now this young man is (going) to get all the wrong attention for his sexual choice and a lot of players and execs will get asked about playing with a gay guy and they are going to have to lie about how they really feel.
“This young man will come in with notoriety for announcing his sexual choice more then his ability to play the game he loves!!! This will be a major thing in football for yrs to come. So for all u guys cussing at me and calling me a bigot, a–hole or whatever, know where (expletive) I’m coming from before u do what u hate others to do when a situation like this is announced!!”
Crayton also went on to imply that he believes being gay is a choice.
"@JakeMarc: @pcrayton12 @justin_cohen You do realize being gay isn't a choice, right?" This is where I beg to differ!!! There is no proof
— patrick crayton (@pcrayton12) February 10, 2014
Other players like Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams and teammate Drayton Florence questioned if Sam’s sexual preference would complicate life in the locker room.
I could care less about a man's sexual preference! i care about winning games and being respectful in the locker room!
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) February 10, 2014
No comment but it can be a distraction in the locker room. At least he's open with it much respect!
— Agent 29 (@DraytonFlorence) February 10, 2014
Again, Sam has received a ton of support from more than a few players. For the most part, he has been praised for his courage and honesty. But the opinions of some remind us that being gay in the NFL will not be easy. Some teams will pass on Sam not because he is gay, but because his sexual preference will be such a major story and will result in added media attention.
