Michael Sam reveals he is gay: NFLPA's Smith: Anonymous GMs 'gutless'

NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith had harsh words for the anonymous general managers wary of NFL prospect Michael Sam because of his sexual orientation.

"My reaction is to call those G.M.s for what they are: They’re gutless," Smith told CSN Washington. 

"And if a young man has the courage to stand up and put his name and his face to talk about what he thinks is important, I would expect that a grown man can do exactly the same thing.  But apparently they can’t.”

Smith was referring to this Sports Illustrated story, in which several executives expressed concern about Sam and the impact of his decision.

“When you contrast a group of anonymous G.M.s against a 24-year-old college player, it seems like only one of them had the guts to put his name behind his message,” Smith said.

Smith says he expects Sam's eventual teammates to act professionally.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect and expectation for our young man and some of our not-so-young men in our locker rooms,” he said.  “We believe that the locker room, as much of a locker room as it is, it’s a workplace.  And I think the expectation for all of our young men is to treat every person in their workplace with respect.”

But what if a problem arises with a teammate? Smith says the Players Association will be swift to react.

“With both feet. This isn’t a union that has had a tough time stepping in with two feet to protect the interests of its players.  If there ever came a time where we believe that there was a need for us to do something for this player or any player similarly situated, I’m sure the league wouldn’t be surprised to see a letter from me coming across their desk.”

[H/T Pro Football Talk]