Michael Sam cut by Rams, but grateful for opportunity
The first openly-gay player drafted in the NFL probably won't become the first openly-gay player to make an opening-day roster:
No history yet...Rams released DE Michael Sam. Prime practice-squad candidate.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2014
It's possible Sam will be scooped up to another team's 53-man roster, but the most likely outcome is that he ends up on the Rams' practice squad.
Sam was impressive in the preseason, recording a team-high six tackles in the finale. The Rams boast one of the NFL's best and deepest defensive lines, however, so it isn't a shock that they simply couldn't find a place for Sam.
I want to thank the entire Rams organization and the city of St. Louis for giving me this tremendous opportunity and allowing me to (1/2)
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 30, 2014
show I can play at this level. I look forward to continuing to build on the progress I made here toward a long and successful career (2/2)
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 30, 2014
The most worthwhile things in life rarely come easy, this is a lesson I've always known. The journey continues.
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 30, 2014
Head coach Jeff Fisher said he was pulling for Sam, but "it just didn't work out." He plans to meet with Sam on Sunday to further discuss the decision.
#Rams coach Jeff Fisher on Michael Sam: “There was no distraction.” This is very much a football decision. “No issue there.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2014
"Mike's got the ability," Fisher added. "Mike played well. He has the ability to play some place. It's got to be the right place."