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Michael Sam becomes NFL's first openly gay player Michael Sam becomes NFL's first openly gay player
(about 1 hour later)
Former US college athlete Michael Sam has become the first openly gay player in history to be drafted into the National Football League (NFL).Former US college athlete Michael Sam has become the first openly gay player in history to be drafted into the National Football League (NFL).
The 24-year-old defensive lineman was selected by the St Louis Rams on the final day of this year's draft.The 24-year-old defensive lineman was selected by the St Louis Rams on the final day of this year's draft.
Sam's move to declare his homosexuality in February was applauded by many, including President Barack Obama.Sam's move to declare his homosexuality in February was applauded by many, including President Barack Obama.
Some pundits had speculated that teams might be put off from selecting Sam by the publicity surrounding the player.Some pundits had speculated that teams might be put off from selecting Sam by the publicity surrounding the player.
'Not the last''Not the last'
Sam - who had played college football at the University of Missouri - was chosen on the final day of the annual allocation of new talent.Sam - who had played college football at the University of Missouri - was chosen on the final day of the annual allocation of new talent.
He was contacted by Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, who told ESPN he was mainly focused on what the footballer could do on the field.He was contacted by Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, who told ESPN he was mainly focused on what the footballer could do on the field.
But Fisher added: "In the world of diversity we live in now, I'm honoured to be part of this and I'm excited about his opportunity to help this football team win."But Fisher added: "In the world of diversity we live in now, I'm honoured to be part of this and I'm excited about his opportunity to help this football team win."
In February, Sam told ESPN: "I came to tell the world I'm an openly gay man.In February, Sam told ESPN: "I came to tell the world I'm an openly gay man.
"If I work hard, if I make plays - that's all that should matter.""If I work hard, if I make plays - that's all that should matter."
He had revealed his sexuality to his former college teammates, but admitted doing so publicly was "a weight off his chest".He had revealed his sexuality to his former college teammates, but admitted doing so publicly was "a weight off his chest".
"I probably may be the first but I won't be the last. And I think only good things will come from this," he added."I probably may be the first but I won't be the last. And I think only good things will come from this," he added.
He now becomes the first openly gay player to compete in any of North America's four major professional sports leagues - football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey. In February, Jason Collins become the first openly gay athlete to play in a competitive game for a major US professional sports league when he came on for the Brooklyn Nets against the LA Lakers.
In April 2013, basketball player Jason Collins came out during the sport's off-season but was not signed for the next campaign, meaning he never competed as an openly gay player.