Several NFL execs are afraid Michael Sam could easily morph into the next Tim Tebow in terms of the number of distractions he could bring into a locker room.
According to the New York Daily News, Sam's recent decision to reveal his sexuality has sparked widespread debate in NFL corners about what he might bring to a team. The newspaper reports in the NFL's 94-year history it has tolerated players linked to domestic violence, sexual assault, gambling and DUIs resulting in death. But the issue of a gay player in the locker room comes as a new terrain.
"In reference to Sam, the SEC Defensive Player of the Year this past season with 11.5 sacks, one scout told The News "If I'm in the locker room,"I want to know one thing, Can you get the quarterback on the ground or not?
As courageous as Sam's admission has made him to some, the reality is he is now also a lightning rod. The News reports more than 200 media members covered Tebow's New York City arrival, and while his teammates never openly blamed him for his cult like status it made for a different locker room vibe.
After making his announcement, the newspaper reports Sam fell some 70 spots on the CBS mock draft board, as teams apparently grappled to figure out what it all means.
"If a guy's a good teammate and he can help you win, I'd be open to anybody in our locker room," Rex Ryan told HuffSports.com in an interview last summer about the possibility of having a gay player in the locker room."That wouldn't bother me whatsoever."
Only time will tell if he and other NFL execs really meant it.
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