Gay Michael Sam Oprah Interview Tackles Homophobic Oppression, Getting Cut From NFL

Michael Sam was a highly efficient defensive end at the University of Missouri. However, his is currently without a team in the NFL, and Sam believes it is because he came out as openly gay shortly after college. Now, he is laying it all on the line in a tell-all interview with Oprah. Apparently, Michael has been oppressed and bullied since childhood.

From 2009-2013, Michael played for the University of Missouri Tigers and competed in the Big-12 Conference. In his senior year, he recorded 11.5 quarterback sacks and 19 tackles for a loss.

He led the SEC in both categories and tied Missouri's single-season record for sacks. He was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week in two consecutive weeks. Also, he was awarded Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

This remarkable performance earned him a draft slot with the St. Louis Rams, however, he was cut shortly after the preseason.

He also spent a period of time on the Cowboys' practice squad but was similarly let go.

For some, it seems suspicious that a person with such skill would be cut multiple times. According to the Huffington Post, Sam thinks it has nothing to do with his performance:

"Michael Sam didn't come out and say it, but he seemed to imply that he is currently not playing in the NFL because he came out as gay. Sam...is currently a free agent after spending the preseason with the St. Louis Rams, followed by a stint on the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboy. He seemed to hint that being openly gay has kept him from making an NFL roster [by saying]... 'I think I was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year last year...So I don't think it had to do with talent.'"

Now, in Oprah's new interview, Michael is getting the opportunity to tell the world his side of story. According to TMZ Sports, The NFL is not the only one who has made things hard on Sam:

"Michael Sam says he had to deal with homophobia right in his own home from the time he was a kid ... with his own brothers calling him the f-word 'because I was different.' It's the latest from Sam in his tell-all interview with Oprah in which [he] says his brother would 'Abuse me daily...they called me a lot of things. They called me a f**. They called me gay. They called me anything you could think of -- just to hurt me.'"

It is a sad thing to see someone hurt for just being themself. Nevertheless, Sam has proven himself as a strong leader for human rights. What are your opinions on the situation? Let us know in the comment section below.