I believe the Michael Sam announcement this weekend that he is gay is a civil rights issue. Michael Sam’s journey ahead will be a treacherous one, with many people watching his every move. Much like Jackie Robinson before him he is leading the way for the acceptance of a gay man in football. He isn’t the player Robinson was. He is a projected 4th to 6th round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. So there is the reality in that alone. I also think that Sam will not face the intense bigotry that Robinson endured. But he will face a nation and, in particular a sport, who are still very divided on this issue. Personally, I believe it’s time to put this issue behind us and treat each other as equals, regardless of race, creed, religious beliefs or sexuality. It all comes down to another quote by the Great Jackie Robinson: “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”
