Michael Sam, First Openly Gay Player Drafted Into NFL, Cut By St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams defensive end Michael Sam (96) walks on the field against the Cleveland Browns during a preseason NFL football game Saturday, August 23, in Cleveland. St. Louis won 33-14. (AP Photo/David Richard)
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The first openly gay player to be drafted by an NFL team has been released.

Rookie defensive end Michael Sam was cut by the St. Louis Rams on Saturday, ESPN reported. A league source told the sports network that the team hopes to bring Sam back on their practice squad.

Sam may still be picked up by another team.

ESPN was recently criticized for reporting on whether Sam showered around his teammates as part of a segment on how the rookie was fitting in with the team. The sports network later said it “regrets” that discussion.

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