Michael Sam Reactions: Dallas Sportscaster Dale Hansen Gives 2-Minute Speech on 'Celebrating' Mizzou Defensive End
ByMichael Sam is forcing the NFL to get ready for an openly gay player, but his announcement has caused wide-ranging reactions of support and uneasiness.
Perhaps one of the most eloquent and most recent came from Dale Hansen, a sportscaster in Dallas, Texas for ABC's local affiliate WFAA. He gave a two-minute speech on why Sam should be celebrated for his announcement.
Speaking poignantly and directly, he noted that several current players in the NFL have been convicted and accused of offenses like murder, obstruction of justice, rape, domestic abuse and more.
"You love another man?" Hansen said. "Well, now you've gone too far."
Since his announcement, Sam has evoked reactions of outright support from current and former players and also worried ones.
As opposed to Hansen's point-of-view, ESPN football analyst and former NFL coach Herm Edwards said Sam would bring "baggage into a locker room.
On "Sportscenter," Edwards compared Sam to a "player with off the field issues... he's bringing baggage into your locker room."
Even though Sam lead the SEC in sacks and tackles for a loss in his senior season at Missouri, many draft experts think he will be selected in the middle rounds or later. Regardless, several pundits and writers have questioned how his announcement will affect his draft stock, even though he was a consensus All-American in his senior season.
Still, all-time great Deion Sanders applauded Sam and called him a "family member." First Lady Michelle Obama said she was proud of his courage. Pat McAfee, Chase Daniel and DeAngelo Williams were three of many current players to express support.
Michael Sam isn't the 1st gay player in the NFL although he is the 1st 2 come out.#realtalk Let's show him love like a family member. Truth
— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) February 10, 2014
Good for Michael Sam.. Hopefully this'll inspire others to be comfortable and proud of who they are — Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 10, 2014
Had multiple convos with @MikeSamFootball this year, amazed at his honesty & courage! Once a tiger, ALWAYS a Tiger!
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) February 10, 2014
I could care less about a man's sexual preference! i care about winning games and being respectful in the locker room! — DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) February 10, 2014
You're an inspiration to all of us, @MikeSamFootball. We couldn't be prouder of your courage both on and off the field. -mo
— FLOTUS (@FLOTUS) February 10, 2014
Like Atlanta Falcons' cornerback Brent Grimes, many players said they do not care what their teammates' sexual preference is.
I've never really understood the big deal about knowing someone's sexual preference. I don't care. — Brent Grimes (@BGrimey21) February 10, 2014
"I'm not always comfortable when a man tells me he's gay; I don't understand his world," Hansen said. "But I do understand that he's part of mine," Hansen said. "I want to believe that there will be a day when we do celebrate [Sam]. I don't know if that day's here yet. I guess we're about to find out. But when I listen to Michael Sam, I do think it's time to celebrate him now."
