Every once in a while the culture of sports world seems to change, and a counter-hegemonic movement sweeps through locker rooms and media boxes. One of these changes is taking place right now, in both professional and college sports. Missouri defensive linemen and NFL hopeful Michael Sam recently made headlines when he came out as homosexual, an admission that made waves throughout the sporting community.
Sam is far from the first homosexual athlete to play in the major sports. Big name sports figures such as Billy Jean King, Brittney Griner and Jason Collins have made strides in their respective sports in terms of LGBT acceptance. To some, Sam’s admission may not seem like a big deal, perhaps not even worthy of media attention. However, while acceptance and support for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community is at an all-time high, there is still some concern for players like Sam entering the world of professional sports.
Reactions to Sam’s decision to come out have been overwhelmingly positive, with players and prominent NFL figures coming out in support of his choice. While it is inspiring to see so many athletes come out and support Sam, there has to be a worry that attitudes may not be the same behind closed doors.
Earlier this year the league witnessed obscene amounts of harassment in which Miami Dolphin’s offensive lineman Richie Incognito and others were found to be intimidating and tormenting teammate Jonathan Martin. Many of the comments directed toward Martin included homophobic remarks. This proves that while players are supportive on camera, some may prove problematic for Sam and other LGBT athletes.
Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen admitted that he believes Sam’s biggest hurdles will come on the field. While playing football at the professional level is not an easily accomplished goal for any athlete, Sam will also face certain problems others don’t have to deal with. “Though everyone will be accepting of his sexual orientation off the field, it will invite unwarranted effort and aggression on the field. Good football player or not, no one wants to ‘lose to the gay guy,’” said Allen.
There is no telling how players will choose to treat Sam in the heat of competition. However, Sam’s eventual entrance into the NFL couldn’t come at a better time. With support for the LGBT community at an all time high, and growing outrage around Russia’s stance on homosexuality at the Olympic games have sports fans more open to LGBT players than ever. The Incognito case also benefits Sam and others in his situation as teams will likely be far more involved in protecting the dignity of their players.
If Sam ca LGBT athletes to come out without fear of persecution. The goal is to achieve a safe atmosphere for the community, something I believe exists in some capacity here at DU with nearly 300 members of the Queer Straight Alliance.
If everything works out for Sam, sometime in the future we may see a growing number of openly gay athletes atn thrive in the NFL and become another face of homosexuality in sports, then it may inspire other both the professional and college level.
