Michael Sam & Tony Dungy

The world of sports has yet to be in tune with society as a whole. Currently, sports and sexual orientation is still a taboo subject with many athletes expressing their personal business. Former University of Missouri football player Michael Sam, is the latest to find himself in controversy over his sexual orientation. After being drafted 249th in the 7th round of the 2014 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams, Tony Dungy recently stated that he would not draft Sam because of the distraction that would follow. It must be noted that Dungy was asked whether or not he would have drafted Michael Sam not if Sam deserves an opportunity to play in the NFL. I don’t think Sam’s sexual orientation should be anybody’s business. However, in a sports league that is mostly African-American and with players spending a lot of intimate time together one’s sexual orientation becomes a huge deal. While I understand Dungy’s position and opinion, I feel as though stating things opposite to popular society belief only brings criticism, especially in sports.