It’s been a turbulent ride for defensive end Michael Sam as he’s tried to find a spot playing professional football. For the time being, that ride has come to a halt. On his Twitter account Friday night, Sam announced that he was stepping away from football to deal with his “mental health”. You can read the full statement from Sam below:
The last 12 months have been very difficult for me, to the point where I became concerned with my mental health. Because of this I am 1/3
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSam52) August 14, 2015
going to step away from the game at this time. I thank the Alouettes for this opportunity and hope to be back on the field soon. Thank 2/3
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSam52) August 14, 2015
you all for your understanding and support. 3/3
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSam52) August 14, 2015
Sam became the first openly gay football player to be drafted when he was picked up by the St. Louis Rams in 2014. However, he was cut before the season began. He briefly joined the Dallas Cowboys as part of the organization’s practice squad before being waived again and moving on to the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. In June, though, Sam took a hiatus from the Alouettes for “personal reasons.” He returned in time to make his CFL debut against the Ottawa Redblacks earlier this month.
Now, once again, he’s out of the game, but it appears as though he intends to return at a later point. Whatever it is that’s ailing Sam, here’s hoping he gets it figured out.
(Via Michael Sam)
