The ESPYS were held last night, and please don’t make me cover every detail of them. I’ve actually started watching ESPN while I’m working out (my favorite treadmill is right by the ESPN TV), but there is an element of “it’s all Greek to me” about sports still, and perhaps always. So go here if you want a little taste of what went down during the ESPYS – there was some mess with Drake and Chris Brown that I have no desire to cover. But here’s something that does interest me: newly “out” NFL player Michael Sam (the first openly gay man to be drafted in the NFL) received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Michael brought his boyfriend Vito Cammisano as his date too. Here’s Sam’s speech:
Some transcript of his speech:
“The Arthur Ashe Courage Award is a big honor, one much bigger than just me. This year I had a lot of experience being part of something bigger than myself. At times, I felt like I’d been living in a massive storm…but I’m here tonight to tell you the lessons learned about love and respect and being true to yourself will never leave me. Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. Those were the words to live by, whether you’re black or white, young or old, straight or gay…Football raised me, football taught me about hard work… The way I see it, my responsibility at this moment in history is to stand up for everyone out there who wants nothing to be themselves openly. Recently, a friend asked me to talk to his sister, a young woman who was considering killing herself rather than [telling] her loved ones the fact that she was gay. When we spoke she told me that she would never consider hurting herself again, and that’s something that somehow my example helped her. It’s amazing to think that by just doing what we can, we can all touch, change and even save lives.”
He also thanked his alma mater, University of Missouri, and the Rams (who drafted him) and his boyfriend Vito. I think Michael Sam is so inspirational, and I like the fact that he got this award and that people in the sports community applauded him. It’s all got me a little teary-eyed, honestly.
I’m also including some photos of The Rock, Maria Sharapova and Kyle Beckerman (God he’s hot).
Photos courtesy of WENN.
I’m glad Drake and Chris buried the hatchet and are collaborating lately. No dame is worth perpetual animosity. Chris may not make the best decisions and is a rage monster, but he is showing a glimmer of hope with these actions.
I get quite emotional about this, too. Roll on the day a Premier League footballer has the courage to come out.
+1
Bless his heart…with his amazing strength of character, Michael held it together and delivered a great inspirational speech!
Agreed. My friend and I were just talking this morning about how American society has become so sports-obsessed, to the point where her musically talented son feels inadequate because he doesn’t play a sport as he heads into high school.
I love that Sam’s story might give sports fanatics a new perspective but that it also transcends sports and is about being true to yourself, which is what I told my friend her son should continue to do — hold your head up high and believe in yourself and your gifts, no matter what they are.
Yes it was such a beautiful, beautiful speech. It was so heartfelt and inspiring, and had me in tears a couple of times. I’m really happy to see his life going so well.
Had no idea who this guy is. I’m also not a sports enthusiast but now that I’m up to speed, bravo Michael Sam! Your awkward face on the red carpet is giving me lulz but that speech delivered with visible, sincere, heartfelt emotion warms the cockles of my heart.
That’s what he looks like all the time. Therefore his awkward face=his regular face.
Still, great for him.
I just want to say, How in the holy hell did Sidney Crybaby win best NHL player.
I have no issue with him getting an award,but I keep hearing Michael Sam is a so-so football player. At some point he’ll have to prove himself on the football field. It can’t be just about him being the gay football player.
Exactly. He deserved praise and he has certainly made it farther than most men straight or gay ever will. However there is a very real chance he won’t make it, and the true test of the media, fans, and bandwagon jumpers, will be how they react when/if that happens.
There is going to be all kinds of hell raised when he is cut from the team. Truth is he isn’t that good.
I’m happy that he’s been accepted and pretty low key for months
But he’s not a great football player honestly. I doubt he’ll make the rams, they already have one of the best defensive lines in football with great depth. Hope he catches on somewhere though. My patriots could certainly use the depth now that the media frenzy has died down
I admire him greatly, and I’m hoping that the sports world continues to evolve. If he earns a place on the field I will be thrilled for him. If he doesn’t, I’ll be sad for him…he really does love football. Either way, though I’m sure he will land on his feet. He is exceptional.
aw aw aww this is so cute!
I watched it last night and it was very touching. He is an inspiration and very brave to come out in the sports world. Now, he must face the challenge and show what he can do on the field. But, either way, he is an inspiration for being so brave. I can’t even imagine what it must feel like!
this is awesome, on many levels.
Sadly, my hubby says Michael Sam isn’t a very good player.
On another note, I thought Drake was a hilarious host! He did a great job.
Maybe some of the dozens of cowards in the NFL, NBA , MLB will have the courage to come out whether Sam makes it or not. At least he had the courage to speak his truth.He will always be the first.
Not coming out doesn’t make them cowards. Coming out is a personal thing. Coming out was right for him. That was his journey. Everyone is different. BTW Jason Collins,a basketball player, came out last year. So technically Michael Sam is not the first.
Stuart Scott receiving the Jimmy V award would have been a more worthy post.
That was an incredible speech.
Rooting for both of them.
Why? Is the first sports reporter diagnosed with cancer? Both are worthy post,both stories are inspirational.Michael lost three siblings , one murdered in front of their house,he was homeless.He is a Black Gay man from a small town in Tx who had the courage to come out before the draft and risk a NFL career. I am inspired by both Michael and Stuart both are survivors.
It cracks me up that people are all now going “Oh he’s a so-so football player” before he came out as gay he was actually being touted as one of the surprise picks of the draft…but once he came out the tune changed: He’s slow, he’s undersized, he’s not so good. This guy was unanimous all american, co defensive player of the year, and first team SEC (also unanimous!). Those are not small awards, he’s got talent.
The difference between his awards and what people are saying about him currently is pretty striking. Good points, Mr. Stinky FishFace!
Michael Sam was SEC Player of the year in 2013, so he IS a great player–he got my Mizzou Tigers to the best season we’ve seen in my lifetime!
Looking forward to rooting for him and the Rams!
M-I-Z!