President Obama on Saturday congratulated Michael Sam, who became the first openly gay NFL player on Saturday when the Rams chose him in the draft.
“The President congratulates Michael Sam, the Rams and the NFL for taking an important step forward today in our Nation’s journey. From the playing field to the corporate boardroom, LGBT Americans prove everyday that you should be judged by what you do and not who you are,” the White House said in a statement.
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Nielsen: "I just want to thank the President, again." pic.twitter.com/5m8WSU9Xej — TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) April 8, 2019
Michael Sam was picked 249th out 256 players. Maybe he’s not good enough to play in the NFL.
Meanwhile, the Eagles signed former Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva, 6-foot-, 277 lb, to a rookie free agent contract to play defensive end. Not sure if Obama congratulated Alejandro or the NFL for signing the former soldier.
You’re missing the point. There have been many NFL players who served. Great news for Villanueva, but not new news. On the other hand, Sam is a first — and, hopefully, over time other gay players being signed will cease to be new news.
This was optics, it was mostly political… and awesome. Awesome politics. Every time Obama supports LGBT rights he forces opponents to either agree with him - and be primaried - or admit to views well outside the new mainstream. I have no problem with someone playing politics for ALL the right reasons.
Small point here, but he won’t become the first openly gay NFL player until he actually plays. He is the first openly gay person drafted by an NFL team. Hopefully he will become the first openly gay starter, All-Star and Hall of Famer.
Now perhaps the Redskins can replace the image on their helmet with that of a small, roundish potato.