Five days before he told the world he was gay, Michael Sam informed his father of the revelation via text message.
The former University of Missouri football star’s announcement, made through ESPN and the New York Times, went over better with people he didn’t know.
Michael Sam Sr. received the text message: “Dad, I’m gay” Feb. 4 as he was celebrating his birthday at a Denny’s in Dallas. He immediately left the party, the New York Times reported on its website Tuesday.
“I couldn’t eat no more, so I went to Applebee’s to have drinks,” Sam Sr. said. “I don’t want my grandkids raised in that kind of environment.
“I’m old-school. I’m a man and a woman type of guy.”
Sam Sr., a Baptist deacon in Texas City, Texas, said he has taken an older son to Mexico to lose his virginity. He told the Times he still loves his son and hopes he makes it to the NFL, but he was struggling with the news.
“As a black man, we have so many hurdles to cross,” Sam Sr. said. “This is just one he has to cross.”
Nevertheless, Sam’s father didn’t seem comfortable with the idea of a player known to be homosexual in the NFL, even if that player was his son. He said Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones, who was known for his toughness, “is turning over in his grave.”
Michael Sam, a mid-range NFL Draft prospect and co-SEC Defensive Player of the Year, told ESPN on Sunday his parents, who are separated, took the news well, which contradicts the story in the Times. By comparison, Sam said, he told his Missouri teammates this past summer.
“I told my mom and dad last week, and they just pretty much said, ‘We knew and we love you and support you,’ ” he said. “I’m their baby boy. I’m the first to go to college. I’m the first to graduate college. Something like this is just another milestone.”
The Times reported when Sam returns to his hometown, he usually stays with friends instead of his family, which would support the story that the news came as a surprise to his parents.
“I’m closer to my friends than I am to my family,” Sam told the newspaper.