The real tough guys, those in the US Military, now have no trouble with gays serving openly.
Heck, they have no problem with active duty military in same-sex marriage - they now get full benefits.
The NFL general managers who are being cowards right now can no longer pretend to be tough guys.
Real tough guys stand up to bigotry.
Including their own.
Michael Sam was projected as a 3rd or perhaps a 4th round draft pick.
if he drops lower than the 4th round, then the NFL is demonstrating bigotry, and those communities with protections for gay rights should recognize that and penalize the NFL accordingly.
Oh, and the NFL absolutely should have its tax-exempt status lifted.
Years ago the Washington NFL team (whose name I will not use) had a terrific tight end named Jerry Smith, #87. He was undersized for a tight end, but still both a terrific blocker and a terrific receiver.
Jerry Smith was gay.
He died of AIDS.
He had a quilt, which I remember seeing the last time the full quilt was displayed on the Mall.
The NFL has always has gays.
Just like the US Military did.
Just like the United State Congress does - with far too many unwilling to come out.
Michael Sam has courage.
Michael Sam has character.
Michael Sam is a terrific football player.
We have seen the embarrassment of the bigots in the NFL long enough.
It's simple
Michael Sams is admirable
Those in the NFL who anonymously are demeaning and attacking are not.
That there is any dispute over this is a sad commentary on professional football.
It's simple
It's just that simple
Either you believe in equality or you don't
and in this case, if you don't, you are repeating the racism thrown as Jackie Robinson
if you don't, you repeat the racism of the US Military, that led to the court martial of Henry Flipper, the firs African-American to graduate from West Point.
If you don't, you are repeating the sexism that still has women unable to achieve equal pay for equal work
If you don't, you demonstrate your cowardice, your fear, your lack of character.
That is why the term we use for you is not one of hater, but of fear
it's simple
you are homophobic
and as such, you are an affront to decent people.
Peace?