Dein erstes Forum » He was the co-SEC defensive player of the year

COLUMBIA, Mo. Custom Jerseys . -- Michael Sam was just another recruit when he left his small Texas hometown and arrived in Missouri. Playing for the Tigers, he turned into a private loquacious leader ready to make a trailblazing announcement. The defensive star wants to become the first openly gay NFL player. "I told him: This is going to be mammoth," coach Gary Pinkel said Monday, a day after Sam came out to the world. "I dont have a word, OK, for how big this is going to be." Its a bigger deal for the older generation. Sams teammates and acquaintances easily made the adjustment, plus he proved himself on the field. "Hes a leader," former 49ers great running back Roger Craig said. "I would definitely welcome him on my team. Id play with him any day. I like people who stand up for themselves." Sam revealed he was gay at one of the football teams get-acquainted dinners last summer hosted by Pinkel and assistant coaches. The next day, Pinkel said, Sam told the entire team. Realizing the enormity of the situation, Pinkel left the next move up to the senior who blossomed into one of the best defensive ends in the country -- and one surrounded by teammates who didnt worry one bit about sexual orientation or reveal his secret until he came out on Sunday. Athletes across the campus approve. "Love is love," basketball guard Jordan Clarkson said. "Thats their personal life." Pinkel, athletic director Mike Alden and other school officials applauded Sams courage Monday at Faurot Field. As a backdrop, the first two letters of Sams last name were etched in snow to join the giant "M" just beyond the north end zone. "Pretty cool," Pinkel said. Coaches and Sam agreed that making an announcement during the season might be a distraction. It was Sams call to skip all the weekly media days and postgame news conferences, too, the better to avoid the risk of the topic coming up. Sam broke his silence prior to the Cotton Bowl and the conversation stayed on football, just like he wanted. Sam was prompted to make his decision to come out after the Senior Bowl, where it became apparent the players sexual orientation was widely known. This meant a declaration just days before the NFL combine and shouldering the pressure that goes along with the historic declaration. "Its very clear that everybody in the NFL knew," said Howard Bragman, a consultant hired by Sams agent to help manage the announcement in the media. The NFL and many others, including the White House, publicly applauded Sams decision. President Barack Obamas spokesman, first lady Michelle Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden all called him a courageous and inspirational athlete. But now, after a few high-profile interviews, its back to silent Sam. The fifth level of the stadium was jammed with dozens of reporters for Mondays news conference but there was no sign of the star attraction. Bragman said Sam was travelling Monday to a camp at an undisclosed location where hell prepare for the combine. Though hes been a most reticent public speaker, Pinkel described Sam as a virtual chatterbox. "He drove me crazy a lot of times, he doesnt shut up sometimes," Pinkel said with a chuckle. "He talks and talks and talks. "You always know hes in with my secretary because I can hear him and I have to close the door -- I cant concentrate." Sam arrived at Missouri without fanfare. Rivals.com gave him just two stars when he was coming out of Hitchcock High School. He had 10 career starts before his breakout senior season. The All-America defensive end led the Southeastern Conference with 11 1/2 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. He was the co-SEC defensive player of the year. But Sam has been projected as a mid-level NFL draft pick, probably because hes a bit undersized at 6-foot-2 and 255 pounds and is likely headed for a transition to outside linebacker. Pinkel doesnt think the announcement will hurt Sams draft status. "Our team was able to move past it and work together," defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski said. "So why shouldnt a bunch of professional football players be able to do the same thing?" There have been a few NFL players who have come out after their playing days, including Kwame Harris and Dave Kopay. "There will be some adjustments that will have to be made, sure," Craig said. "I think it will be a learning curve for the whole league." NBA Jerseys . Torres scored the first goal by an English team in the knockout phase of the Champions League this season when he met Cezar Azpilicuetas cutback in the ninth minute of their first leg match in the last 16. But Chelsea failed to make the most of its counterattacks and the Turkish champions equalized in the second half after gaining in confidence and cutting out their defensive mistakes. Soccer Jerseys . 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As a result, Zabaleta admits he has been considering his future at the club.Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News HQ, Zabaleta said: He [Sagna] has been outstanding this season.Im so glad for him because hes a great lad, a great player and also hes given me a chance to have some rest thinking about the future. Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has been playing regularly ahead of Zabaleta this season I have just one more year here [on my contract] and well see what happens at the end of the season. We expect big changes at the club with a new manager coming in.Zabaleta says discussions about his future are likely to happen at the end of the season before he sets off on international duty with Argentina to Copa America.Probably at the end of the season, we have to sit down with the club and decide what will happen, he added. Pep Guardiola will take over as Manchester City manager in the summer My only concern is just thinking about another big tournament in the summer and coming back probably without rest and without pre-season. Wholesale Jerseys. he best thing for me is just be focused on trying to finish this season in the best way. All the players will have to hear from the new manager and what his new ideas are for next season.Manchester City face Newcastle on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports, and a win would create a three-point gap over fourth-placed Arsenal. Manchester Citys Pablo Zabaleta has suffered with injuries this season Its going to be a really tough game, said Zabaleta. Even if they are not in their best situation so far this season. I think its huge game for them to get three points and move closer to staying up in the Premier League.St James Park is one of the best grounds, I really enjoy playing there, the atmosphere is always fantastic.I want Manchester City to win the game and if we get three points and can finish the season in third or second that would be important thinking about next season.Watch Newcastle v Manchester City on Tuesday night from 7pm on Sky Sports 1 HD. Also See: Kompany, Sterling boost for City Newcastle v Man City preview Pellegrini: Pep news hurt us Newcastles woeful run vs City ' ' '