Former NFL Coach's Comment On Michael Sam Stirs Controversy

Published July 24, 2014 at 9:35 AM PDT

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Vito Cammisano and NFL player Michael Sam attend the 2014 ESPYS at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on July 16, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Michael Buckner/Getty Images For ESPYS)

NFL training camps are opening and many eyes are on Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by a pro team. He was picked by the St. Louis Rams, and recent comments by former NFL coach Tony Dungy have created some controversy.

Dungy told The Tampa Tribune he would not have drafted Sam, not because he’s gay, but because he “wouldn’t want to deal with all of it. It's not going to be totally smooth … things will happen.”

Here & Now sports analyst Mike Pesca discusses the comment and reaction with hosts Meghna Chakrabarti and Jeremy Hobson.

Guest

Mike Pesca, Here & Now sports analyst and host of Slate's daily podcast The Gist. He tweets @pescami.