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Browns owner Jimmy Haslam will not let MIchael Sam's admission that he's gay affect his draft board status with the Browns.
(Brandon Wade, Associated Press)
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said Monday night that NFL prospect Michael Sam, who came out as gay on Sunday night, would find an accepting home with the Browns if they liked him as a player.
He joined other owners such as New England's Bob Kraft and Giants co-owner Steve Tisch in supporting the former Missouri linebacker's bold decision to announce to the world that he's gay.
"Absolutely we would welcome Michael Sam to the Cleveland Browns organization if he can help us win games and he's the right football player for this team,'' Haslam said in a statement provided by the Browns. "We are intent on creating an environment that is supportive, accepting and respectful of individual rights and differences."
A day after Sam's announcement to ESPN and the New York Times, Haslam and decision-makers all over the NFL said they'd draft him regardless of his groundbreaking revelation. If Sam is drafted in May, he could become the first openly gay player in the NFL, providing no existing gay player comes out before then.
The 2013 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, who led the conference with 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss, is projected as a mid- to late-round pick. The timing of the announcement is significant, because the NFL Scouting Combine begins next week in Indianapolis.
"We're about winning," Patriots owner Bob Kraft told The Boston Herald. "And anyone who can come in here and help us win, I personally don't care what their ethnic background is, their racial background, the gender preference. If they can help us win, and they're about team first, then I'm happy to have him here."
Kraft went so far as to say that Sam would flourish in the Patriots organization.
"He'd gain strength by being in here," Kraft said. "And it wouldn't be divisive and he'd make friends for life and they could help him win."
Giants co-owner Steve Tisch told the New York Daily News, "Michael Sam is a gifted athlete and a courageous man. I hope any NFL team would not hesitate to draft Michael if he is right for their team. Our game is the ultimate team game, and we often talk about how a team is a family.
"Regardless of where you are from, what your religious beliefs are, what your sexual orientation is, if you are good enough to be on the team, you are part of the family. How the University of Missouri and its football program embraced and supported Michael is a tremendous blueprint for all of us, but frankly, I think the lessons of our game also provide the same positive example.”
Giants co-owner John Mara told the Newark Star-Ledger: "Michael’s announcement will not affect his position on our draft board.''
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf also vowed that Sam's admission will not impact his draft status with the Vikings.
"We commend Michael Sam for being very courageous with his openness on something of such a personal nature,'' Wilf said in a statement released by the club. "His comments will have no impact on how the Vikings view Michael as a football player or as a person. If a player can help us win, we will warmly welcome him as part of the team and provide an accepting, respectful and supportive environment to help him succeed in the NFL."
Wilf's statement comes in the aftermath of allegations by former Vikings punter Chris Kluwe last month that special teams coach Mike Priefer made homophobic statements during the 2012 season. An independent investigation is underway and go into next month.
The owners' remarks are consistent with a statement released Monday by the NFL.
"The NFL also released a statement through spokesman Greg Aiello: “We admire Michael Sam’s honesty and courage. Michael is a football player. Any player with ability and determination can succeed in the NFL. We look forward to welcoming and supporting Michael Sam in 2014.”