While we are in the midst of the 2014 Winter Olympics, the biggest sports story today comes from the world of football. Late Sunday evening, Missouri Tiger Defensive End and SEC defensive Player of the Year came out as Gay with a simultaneous announcement on Outsports, ESPN's Behind the Lines, and in the New York Times. Sam is a top NFL prospect and if drafted, signed and he makes it onto one of 32 NFL clubs, the first time he plays a down in a regular season game, history will be made. Michael Sam is poised to be the first openly Gay active player in the NFL. Phrases like "from out of the mouths of babes" and "a little child shall lead them" come to mind. Although it would be a helluva stretch to call the 6' 1", 260 pound football play either a baby or a 'little' child, in truth he is an prospective NFL Rookie which would make him the 'baby of the family' on any club and like a child growing up, Michael would have to grow up from a Rookie to a Seasoned Veteran. He will also lead the way for other LGBT athletes to own their own truths and come out when they are ready also. Some grow faster than others, like Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson who led his team to a Super Bowl victory in his second season, while some struggle. The SEC is the best conference in college football right now, and as an SEC Player of the year, I don't doubt Sam will have any trouble putting in the effort to achieve his dream of playing in NFL.
Michael Sam has a compelling story to tell too. Michael, from small town Hitchcock, TX, was raised in a single parent household with its share of poverty, drama and violence. Yet he has raised himself through hard work, dedication and single mindedness to the doorstep to achieving his dreams. He is the first to attend college in his family, much less graduate. The events leading up to this momentous decision as well as the planning that went into the timing of his announcement and the media outlets involved are compelling also. Michael's orientation was a more or less open secret, he told his Tiger team mates prior to the start of the 2013 season. Yet there were some tabloid types set to try to scandalize the story which moved the time table for his announcement up a bit. Sam says "No one should tell my story except me. I want to own my truth.". That whole series of events is covered in a separate story on Outsports: The Eagle Has Landed.
Activist and blogger Jeremy Hooper from Good As You wonders which socially conservative religious whack job will be the first to lash out about the world coming to an end because there's a Gay in the NFL. I am sure that Tony Perkins, Bryan Fisher, Peter Sprigg or Brian Brown will surface soon enough to bloviate some bull shit about this event. As the week's pass from now until the scouting combine, Missouri's Pro Day and the upcoming NFL Draft there is sure to be lots of talk, however the timing was planned so that by the time the regular season rolls around, the story will be almost old hat and only the historical significance of his first play will be the important thing to report on and not hateful, salacious or bigoted bullshit put out by the aforementioned socially conservative whack jobs. I for sure will be following this story closely and will bring you updates when they arise.
This week, Monday with Mozart features his where you will find his Complete Violin Sonatas Part One and Part Two.
Now what Monday would be complete here on the pages of Nichevo without a hearty helping of muscular men lounging about the page in their Monday's Undies? You will find this week's collection on display for your viewing pleasure below today's play list. Be sure to check out the Hottie of the Day! over on my tumblr also. Thanks for sharing a part of your Monday with me, see you again soon. Until next time as always, Enjoy!
