http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-05-19/nfl-blocks-oprahs-attempt-to-make-michael-sam-a-reality-tv-star502

[Lau McKinley]

This article talks about the latest publicity craze surrounding Michael Sam. Oprah has announced that she wants to air a multi-part documentary series on the first openly gay rookie to be drafted in the NFL. This is related to this class because it deals with individual rights, free speech, and freedom of press, and civil rights.

This is just shocking to me. Michael Sam is probably the first ever 7th round draft pick with this much publicity and attention. The world has been making huge pushes to better the equality of homosexuals with the rest of society. The problem is that he is just another player, no different than other player in the draft, other than the fact that he is openly gay, which nobody prompted him to go and tell everyone about. There has been such a big push to treat homosexuals and their views and lifestyle choices the same as any heterosexual person and their choices and lifestyles. So if that's what is desired, why is there a need to publicize and glorify him for being so brave? He is a football player first, sexual preference is something that should be private and off the field, just like every other player in the NFL. He is absolutely entitled to his opinions and choices, just like anyone else, but the media and our society has brought this above what they originally set out to do.

[Justin Blair]

I also agree with both comments above. This issue is only a cultural issue. The problem with todays world is that everyone is using the word of god, by saying we should "love" everyone. Yes I agree we should love everyone, but this guy isn't a hero or any other crazy adjective I have heard praising his sin. We are all sinners, but we pray to walk everyday as Jesus walked for us. The ultimate goal is to live a life glorifying god. So by tolerating or accepting such behavior is an attack at your very core values. The bottom line is that in August when this guys doesn't make the 52 man roster no one will be talking about some guy who chose to tell the world about his private life.

[Lau McKinley]

I agree, he won't be the center of attention for much longer. It just goes to show how the media will twist and create a big story out of something that should be nothing. The same can be said for the backlash Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty received after expressing his views on homosexuality. The sad thing is that I feel that as much as our society and culture are pushing for equality and tolerance of all of these walks of life and lifestyle choices, we have to be tolerant and careful of what we say and think. Basically if we don't have the "right" opinion or point of view, we should be reprimanded and punished for it.