Rookie defensive end Michael Sam was cut this weekend by the St. Louis Rams. Sam, a seventh-round pick was the first openly gay football player ever drafted, but recently failed to land a spot on the Rams’ roster. Questions have loomed pertaining to Sam being cut, but overall was it fair to cut the rookie defensive lineman? Sam played pretty well in the preseason, and he even displayed some big-play ability. To be honest, I feel that Sam was put in a tough position to from the beginning, because the Rams are so loaded at the defensive end position. Chris Long and Robert Quinn are as good as it gets for when it comes to defensive linemen, and with Sam in the fold it seemed as if he was given a “fake” shot at making the team. At the end of the day it looked as if Sam had a legitimate shot in making team, but I think that was never the case.
In a passing league like today’s game having multiple defensive ends are the norm. There are defensive packages that places three and four defensive linemen in certain situations to rush the quarterback. Sam did all he could do as a seventh-round pick. On the field, Sam played at a high level, and he was respected amongst his peers. Even though Sam produced there was a lot of hoopla, due to his sexuality. It’s no secret that Michael Sam can play the game of football. The former SEC defensive player of the year will latch on to a team, and make some organization proud. The only problem may be is that teams are afraid of the media circus. To be honest the Rams should be happy that they were receiving some attention. They haven’t been relevant since Nelly and his band-aid, and speaking of band-aids, Sam didn’t deserve to be cut.
