Attention athletes: Stick to sports

Michael Sam is a man that has gotten a lot of pub­licity over the past several weeks for something that, in my opinion, is not worthy of the recognition he has received.

Sam, 24, is a former Missouri football player and current prospect for this May's NFL draft. He was recently cho­sen as a consensus All-American defensive end and was selected by the Associated Press as SEC co-defensive player of the year. But it's not these accomplishments that have put him in the news. Sam announced Feb. 9 that he is "an openly proud gay man."

There have been both positive and negative reactions around the league and country with the majority of people, including President Barack Obama, applauding Sam for his 'courage.'

Give me a break. It's not courageous for anyone to reveal that he or she is gay, especially in today's society where Freedom of Speech is no longer a true promise. There's no possible way the people who disagree with Sam's lifestyle choice will be able to speak their minds without facing repercussions.

In our country today, it's considered commend­able when homosexuals speak for their rights, but people who don't believe in same-sex relationships are being maligned for their views. I'm sure Sam will face some difficulties and hear some negative whispers, but it will likely pale in comparison to the backlash that any possible naysayer will have to deal with.

Now don't get me wrong -- I am in no way against gay people. If a person is attracted to the same sex, so be it. I just don't think they should be celebrated for it. Heterosexual or 'straight' people aren't celebrated or made into heroes for liking the opposite sex. The playing field needs to be leveled, because right now, homosexuals have the advantage in our society.

Before making his confession, Sam was projected to be a third-round pick. So even if the fact that he's gay negatively affects his draft stock, there's no way he'll go undrafted. There are seven rounds in the typical NFL draft and 32 picks in each round. Sam, as talented as he is, won't be passed on 224 times.

Although he'll be the first openly gay player in the NFL, he won't be the first athlete in the four major American professional sports (MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL) to 'come out' to the public.

Jason Collins, center for NBA's Brooklyn Nets revealed last April that he is gay. Much like Sam, Collins was both largely endeared and ostracized after his proclamation.

Collins, 35, remained unsigned past the midway point of this NBA season, but was recently signed by the Nets to a 10-day contract. On Feb. 24, he became the first openly gay ath­lete to play in the NBA.

I'm not saying he should've been booed or ridiculed in any way, but I don't feel that he should've been given a standing ovation either. He wasn't being praised for his play on the court; he was praised for his 'accomplishment' of becoming the first openly gay athlete in the four major sports to play in a game. It's unnecessary to paint Collins as a hero. He's a gay NBA player, and that's all. I respect him, but no more or less than any other player in the NBA.

Some people say that Sam should've waited until after the draft to make his announcement because it could result in him being drafted in a later round.

In my opinion, he should have never revealed his secret to the public. Him being openly gay will only bring an unneeded distraction to whichever team drafts him.

Sure, reactions from players, coaches and execu­tives around both leagues have been mostly posi­tive, but you can't tell me there aren't players and coaches in the NBA and NFL that are uncomfortable with the idea of having an openly gay player in the locker room. These players and coaches are just afraid to come forward because if they did, they'd be made out to be villains.

Sam allegedly told his Missouri teammates in August, and they kept it a secret and 'supported' him. But in all honesty, their teammates have to support them, publicly at least, or they will face con­sequences.

A player can come out to his or her family and friends, but there's no need to come out to the orga­nization or the public.. Personal issues such as sexu­ality shouldn't be mixed with business.

I know it doesn't apply to the military anymore, which is a shame, but I feel that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" should be implemented in professional sports. If Sam, Collins and all other gay players in profes­sional sports had been told to keep their personal business to themselves, none of the incumbent issues would have been raised. Sports are supposed to be a release for fans and players from the social issues and other stresses of the world. I wish we as fans could simply watch the games, tune-in to ESPN afterwards and actually see highlights and analysis, instead of hearing about a 'courageous' gay player.

Please keep the controversial stuff and players'