The single biggest sports story this weekend was the drafting of Michael Sam by the St. Louis Rams. Here is some of the best profiles and analysis from around the web:
Photos: Michael Sam, boyfriend Vito Cammisano party at Tao post-NFL Draft signing – Las Vegas Sun News
Boyfriend Vito Cammisano, who swam competitively for the University of Missouri, joined Michael Sam, a defensive end from the college who was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round Saturday and was congratulated by President Obama.
Gay Missouri diver inspired Michael Sam's boyfriend to come out
Swimmer Vito Cammisano, now dating Michael Sam, came out to the Missouri team in 2011 to total acceptance. He thanks diver Greg DeStephen for blazing the trail. "I'm completely appreciative that Greg did everything he could to make that possible for people that came after him," Cammisano said.
Boyfriend's relatives nothing but good to say about Michael Sam — NY Daily News
Vito Cammisano’s relatives had nothing but good things to say about Sam’s man. "He’s been a pleasant, pleasant boy all his life," Cammisano’s aunt, Cathy Nigro, said of her nephew. "I was very proud of them both," Nigro said of the kiss. "I think the whole family is."
Michael Sam: A small step and a giant leap | The MMQB
Can the NFL puff its chest out and claim this moment? Nope. Not in light of Sam’s breathless fall down the boards. There are reasons for that. Some are well-documented. Some aren’t. On some level, we can understand it as evidence of the league’s collective reluctance to take the leap into a new era, despite commissioner Roger Goodell’s insistence of the opposite. It’s true that Sam is not a first-round talent. It’s also true he’s not a seventh-round talent. They call the NFL a copycat league, and this time it manifested in an ugly way.
Michael Sam: Is emotional kiss exactly what some NFL teams were afraid of? – Yahoo News
Only one thing can be said with certainty: By taking Sam with the eighth-to-last pick of the seven-round draft, the St. Louis Rams saved the NFL a small public-relations nightmare. How could a unanimous first-team All-American not be among the 256 players chosen by NFL teams? The only people who know the answers to these questions are the people in the personnel departments of the NFL's 32 teams.
Michael Sam Gets Drafted & The NFL Has Issues | The Nation
Sam fell to the 249th pick in the seventh round. His desire to control his own narrative was more harmful than his 40 time.
Possible changes to Mo. law after Michael Sam draft selection
Michael Sam could be legally fired in Missouri for being gay.
Sam could fill role for Rams but faces tough competitionThat’s already eight bodies on the defensive line, not including Sam or tackles Jermelle Cudjo and Matt Conrath. The Rams will only keep eight or nine, so it will be a tight squeeze for Sam.
How does Michael Sam fit into the Rams' scheme? | SportsonEarth.com : Russ Lande Article
When training camp hits for the Rams this year they will have more media attention than they likely ever have had before due to Sam's presence, but he will need to perform well to make their 53-man roster and keep the interest of the public. I believe that his initial quickness will allow him to contribute as a situational pass rusher and that, combined with his competitiveness, toughness and special teams play, will help him to make their roster. I do not foresee Sam ever becoming a starter for the Rams, but I believe he has many of the traits to become a quality third defensive end who contributes as a situational pass rusher and helps to keep Robert Quinn and Chris Long fresh.
