Jim Popp criticizes media, players regarding Sam rumours: 'That's a bunch of crap'

The Michael Sam chronicles continue.

The defensive end left Montreal Alouettes camp June 12, citing personal reasons, and general manager Jim Popp supported the decision.

Two days later, an anonymous source told Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette that the 25-year-old took criticism from other players harshly.

Tuesday, the general manager condemned the anonymity of the report, as well as the player in the room for stirring rumours.

"Who's making those comments?" Popp said to the Toronto Star's Curtis Rush. "Is it someone who's threatened by him? They're scared he's going to take his job? People don't look at it that way. I do. I'll put money on it. It came from somebody like that. The bottom line is I don't like those type of people in our locker room."

Popp was also critical of the decision to publish an unnamed source, believing that it shouldn't be associated with his club.

"First of all, if you can't put our name to something, it doesn't represent our football team, I'll tell you right now. That's a bunch of crap. It's a shame it went viral," Popp said.

Popp remained consistent in his praise for the talented defensive end, as both a player and person.

"We're a better football team with Michael Sam, our city is better and our league is better with Michael Sam,” Popp said.

If Sam decides to rejoin the club, the door remains open.

"We told him that when you're ready to come back you have a place here."