Oprah Winfrey Network postpones Michael Sam documentary

[B2G]

By Josh Katzowitz | NFL WriterMay 16, 2014 7:52 pm ET

If you were looking forward to watching the Rams linebacker Michael Sam documentary series on the Oprah Winfrey Network, you might have a longer wait than expected. Or a wait that will never end.

On Friday evening, OWN announced, via the St. Louis Post Dispatch, that the Sam documentary would be postponed.

With the backlash that occurred when the new show was announced earlier this week, this shouldn't be a huge surprise. Particularly since it makes little sense for a seventh-round draft pick who has an uphill battle to make the team to continue on with a project that might alienate his employers and/or his colleagues.

The Rams apparently didn't know about the documentary before they drafted him with the No. 249 pick in last week's draft, and even though there was a report that the NFL had that knowledge, the league has since denied it. Reportedly, some of his Sam's new teammates were upset about the plans for the show.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24564750/report-oprah-winfrey-network-postpones-michael-sam-documentary

[yeoman6987]

1. I don't know if I agree or not

but one thing that Michael Sam should be concentrating on is getting on that team. If he is worrying about other things he may not put the full attention on making the team. There will be plenty of time to make a TV show later.

[B2G]

2. Totally agree.

Drafted does not equate to a position.

[NightWatcher]

3. If he doesn't make the team (too small, too slow, whatever....), can the Rams cut him?

Or would that be seen as being homophobic somehow?

He needs to be working extra hard right now and not have his attention distracted by cameras and press.

[mucifer]

4. He is selling lots of jerseys and it is all about the $$$

These days $$$ trumps homophobia.

[NightWatcher]

6. So did Tim Tebow but that wears off real quick

No team will pay to keep a "mascot" on the bench just because he sells merch.

[maced666]

7. They can cut him - and if it seems homophobic somehow?

The NFL, fans really could care less. Just get out of the way, games are about to start. Shoo.


Actually, as a 7th round pick? Just coming to the draft with a reality show tagging along is enough to get you cut.

[joeglow3]

12. This mentality cost Michael Sam draft stock and money

The VAST majority of teams and fans care about one thing: winning. And with winning comes money. They don't care if a player is gay or not. Because of this, a team wants to be free to cut whoever they see who may come in the way of said winning.

That said, any team owner knows there will be a vocal minority that will most likely scream "homophobia" if he is cut. As such, I truly believe many teams just weren't willing to take the risk of the negative press in the event he was cut due to his playing ability. Frankly, I honestly believe the people who think they are advocating for his success end up costing him money.

[maced666]

5. Most obvious move ever -

I had an NFL fan friend tell me Sam would do a reality show within a year - I said no way, he is not that stupid.
Thank goodness we didn't bet.
I'm beginning to question Sam's character now.
To go out and say it is all about football - not any different than others, just gay and want to play - not seeking any attention -
And then he goes out and does EXACTLY that - before he has had his first practice or even made the team!

I don't think he will make the team. Too many scouts say he is not nearly athletic enough and now this - ehh.
Over it kinda I guess. He's in 14th of 15 minutes.

[Mr_Harshaw]

8. He'll make it for this season...

... and promptly fade away in a year maybe two...

[Lancero]

11. So.. pretty much...

He should do the ol 'Don't speak up' routine?

Speaking out against the challenges that lgbt people face in society is something that stupid people do?

...Excuse me, I need to double check what site I'm on. I thought this was DU, a site that supports efforts to end discrimination against LGBT persons.

[B2G]

13. He's already spoken up

Have you been paying any attention at all?

Cashing in on a reality TV show before he's even on the roster is over the top.

[MurrayDelph]

9. Good. He needs to take the time

to establish himself so he can be a

gay FOOTBALL PLAYER, and not a

GAY football player.

[tularetom]

10. He's a kid and he has a lot of parasites following him around

hoping to cash in on his name. And not necessarily doing things in his best interest. For his sake, I hope he has somebody around him he can trust to help him separate the con men from the serious offers.

Since he isn't a natural fit for any particular NFL position he's going to have to work hard to find his niche and adapt. I want him to succeed and not be distracted by some bullshit Oprah Winfrey documentary.