While many athletes commended Michael Sam for coming out as gay on Sunday, former NFL coach Herm Edwards warned about the potential impact on his fellow players.
During an appearance on ESPN, where Edwards is an analyst, he compared Sam to a player with "off the field" issues and raised concerns about how his teammates might handle the ensuing media firestorm.
"He's bringing baggage into your locker room," he said. "Can the players handle the media attention they are going to get, when they get the question asked, 'are you okay with a gay teammate?'"
Sam, a former Missouri defensive lineman, came out on Sunday, telling ESPN "I am an openly, proud gay man."
If drafted, as projected, Sam will be the NFL's first openly gay player.
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