Michael Sam Reaction

As a lifestyle blogger, my posts will be based on the situations or events that impact my life. Has sports fanatic, I enjoyed watching and following the coverage of the NFL draft this past weekend. In case you haven't heard, the St. Louis Ram drafted the first openly gay football player Michael Sam. I recall a few months ago, when first "came out" to the media. I thought it was a great story not only for the NFL, but for society in general. I don't follow a lot of NCAA sports, so I'm not familiar with Sam's skills on the field, but I do appreciate the storyline.

So yesterday at work, I had an interesting conversation with a client about the situation. That along with  my mother's reaction inspired this post. Moments after Sam received news, ESPN displayed him and his partner embracing the news with a kiss. Not just a peck, I mean a kiss, kiss. Ok it is what is, PDA is PDA right? Then throughout the weekend ESPN as well as other local and national news outlets continued to show the images of the kiss, and Sam and his partner smashing cake in each others faces with more graphic kissing. Here's my issue: I've seen multiple Sam interviews (when he "came out" on GMA and post-draft") where he expresses his feelings about wanting to be treated just as every other football player, and not wanting "special" attention. I respect that. What I don't get, and don't like is him putting on a show for the cameras. NBA superstar Lebron James said it best; something to the effect that's he's happy not only for Michael Sam, but for everyone who was drafted. I second those views, but I think Sam and the camera went way overboard with his celebrations. Many of the draftees expressed PDA with their families and significant others, but to smash cake in someone faces and tongue them down (something one typically sees at weddings) is extra to say the least. Instead of the media highlighting his talents on the field, his personal choices and lifestyles are being glorified. I'm all for the LGBT having equal rights, but something go to far, and I feel like media outlets focus on certain aspect of this community for ratings, and dollar signs.

If you have followed the Michael Sam story and have a reaction, please feel free to respond.