ESPN reports that the St Louis Rams have released Michael Sam from the team for failing to make the cut in its 53 man roster.
From ESPN:
The St. Louis Rams released defensive end Michael Sam on Saturday, the team announced.
Sam’s efforts to become the first openly gay player in NFL history came up just short in a competition against undrafted rookie Ethan Westbrooks.
Westbrooks is one of nine defensive linemen to land a roster spot.
Sam officially hit waivers Saturday at 4 p.m. ET when all NFL teams had to trim their rosters down to the league-mandated 53 players. From there, the other 31 teams will have 24 hours to put in a claim for Sam.
According to one league source, the Rams would like to bring Sam back to their 10-man practice squad.
The Rams spent a seventh-round draft pick, No. 249 overall, on Sam in May’s draft. In arriving in St. Louis, Sam joined a team about two hours from the Missouri campus where he went to school, but also one loaded with defensive line talent. Sam put together a solid preseason performance, coming up with 11 tackles and three sacks. In Thursday night’s preseason finale against Miami, Sam finished his preseason work with a team-high six tackles.
After the game, coach Jeff Fisher offered an endorsement of Sam’s ability.
“I believe he can play in this league,” Fisher said.
Teams can begin signing players waived in the final round of cuts after the waiver period ends Sunday.
Well, he had a good run.
I don;t think this will be the end for him just yet. In fact, I suspect he’ll end up on the practice squad (If he’s not picked up by someone else).
Farewell
He played well in their preseason games for a rookie and made some big plays, so it’s interesting that the cut him. Wonder how much the “distraction” meme factored into their decision; I felt his team overexposed him a bit initially, but they have been very low key about his sexuality lately even though, unfortunately, ESPN hasn’t. It’s very possible ESPN’s refusal to let the “gay” angle go cost him his position.
That said, he played well enough in the pre-season that it’s likely some other team will pick him up. So the “farewells” are a bit premature. Players get waived and picked up elsewhere all the time.
From a marketing standpoint, someone would be smart to pick him up. I actually will be surprised if someone doesn’t.
Better order me a Sam Jersey and keep it in the Cedar closet.
I’m not going to say I’m super surprised, but I thought he did well preseason too. This is the NFL and like you said players are dropped and picked up all the time. I’m sure we will see Mr. Sam in some other color sooner or later.
did they ever say the real reason why he was cut from the team?
The two possible reasons why he was let go was either because of his poor performance lately (as explained by Sports anchors who consider him mediocre), or the fact that the media won’t let go of Sam’s gay reputation (which was partially his fault). Idk how to feel about this honestly…..on one hand it sucks that Sam has to be mocked like this because of his sexuality, but on the other hand, he knew what he got himself into with these publicity stunts and the football culture as a whole. If he wants to play sports and be open with his sexuality, he should take part in the gay games.
He’ll make the practice squad n then get picked up. It was no secret that he’s small for his position, n he was drafted accordingly. He’ll be ok tho..he alrdy has endorsements, n still, I see him getting picked up. He had a strong pre-season.
But on a side note, I DO need him to stop running around here crying left n right. Ev1 knows he’s gay, done deal, but can he show a lil grit n bravado?!?! Last time I checked, that was football 101.
I sincerely hope Michael Sam’s NFL career isn’t over….if for no other reason than because he’d probably have to go back to the “slums” of dating black men once his white piece dumps his azz. Not sure if he has the mental fortitude for that reality.
Honestly he played good collegiate football but it didn’t transfer to the NFL simple as that. He started to get lazy with his plays and probably too consumed in they gay world to stay on top of his game.