Michael Sam will face a daunting set of challenges that most rookies dont have to deal with when making the already formidable jump from college to the NFL. [url=http://www.sharksauthority.com/customized/]Custom San Jose Sharks Jerseys[/url] . The SECs co-defensive player of the year is about to find

Michael Sam will face a daunting set of challenges that most rookies dont have to deal with when making the already formidable jump from college to the NFL. Custom San Jose Sharks Jerseys . The SECs co-defensive player of the year is about to find out if Americas most popular sport, rooted in machismo and entrenched in locker room hijinks, is ready for its first openly gay player. First, hell have to find a team willing to put up with the media circus that will surround him. Then, hell have to find acceptance like he did at Missouri, where his sexuality was a non-issue during a 12-2 season. Only now, hell face opponents and their fans who know hes gay. He might even face cheap shots and teammates hesitant to shower alongside him or undress in his presence. While several teams and coaches said Monday that Sams sexual orientation wouldnt affect his draft status, former NFL punter Chris Kluwe, who contends his championing of gay rights led to his release from the Minnesota Vikings last year, wasnt so sure. "The majority of players will be supportive of Michael Sam or just wont care," Kluwe said. "Youll have isolated guys here and there who might try to make a fuss about it, but players by and large are very much, Hey, were here to do a job, were here to go out and play football. "In terms of the coaching/front office side, I think theres where issues are going to arise because they are going to look at this like, Hey, is this going to cause a distraction for the team? And by distraction, they mean, Were not really OK with having a gay player on our team, we cant come out and say that, so were going to use the word distraction," Kluwe added. "And unfortunately, those are the people who determine if youre employed or not." John Elway has a unique perspective running the Broncos front office now after a Hall of Fame playing career, and he said Monday hed have no problem drafting Sam. "We will evaluate Michael just like any other draft prospect: on the basis of his ability, character and NFL potential. His announcement will have no effect on how we see him as a football player," Elway said. "Having spent 16 years in an NFL locker room, the bottom line is that its about treating others with respect and earning that respect. By all indications, it appears Michael has done just that throughout his football career." Several coaches said if a player is accountable and a winner, being gay is a non-issue. "If anybody can come in and help us win games and be successful -- black, white, yellow, straight, gay -- I dont think it matters," said new Green Bay quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt. Before Sam revealed his sexual orientation, the pass-rusher was projected as a mid-round draft pick. Kluwe said reports that Sams draft stock could drop because he revealed his sexual orientation "basically could have been lifted from any American sporting paper in the 1940s when Jackie Robinson was about to enter Major League Baseball. Its like weve been here before. Why do we have to keep doing the same thing?" Sam will likely face even more scrutiny from opponents fans than Chargers linebacker Manti Teo did after getting fooled by a hoax involving a fake girlfriend while at Notre Dame. What will help Sam is landing on a team with strong veteran leadership, something that was lacking in Miami, where tackle Jonathan Martin walked away at midseason, alleging guard Richie Incognito led daily harassment with racial, aggressive and sexually charged comments. Incognito was suspended for the final eight games and Martins career was thrown in limbo. Former Redskins tight end Chris Cooley said Sams performance on the field and as a teammate should quickly overshadow any stereotypes about sexual orientation. "I dont think he faces any challenges as a player. I dont think he faces a lot of challenges as a person," Cooley said. "I think once he establishes himself as the kind of teammate hes going to be, I think everybody will accept it fine." Eagles All-Pro guard Evan Mathis said Sam will face obstacles no matter what. "NFL players shouldnt judge Michael Sam based on his sexuality but some guys will. MLB players shouldnt have judged Jackie Robinson based on his skin colour but some did," Mathis said. "Whether or not the NFL is ready for it, it needs to happen. There are still people on this Earth who lived through the prohibition of alcohol and the Civil Rights movement. They can look back and reflect on how primitive those times were. "Current generations will look back at marijuana prohibition and gays having to fight for equal rights and think how primitive those times were." Joel Ward Jersey . Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane wanted to stay in Chicago and the Blackhawks wanted to keep the high-scoring forwards in the only NHL uniform they have ever known. Marc-Edouard Vlasic Jersey .J. Ellis have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract. http://www.sharksauthority.com/authentic-dylan-demelo-sharks-jersey/ .Y. - Major League Soccers independent review panel has taken back the fine and one-game suspension it placed on Toronto FC forward Luke Moore earlier this week.The NHLs Mar. 5 Trade Deadline is drawing closer and teams will be deciding on whether to buy or sell. Check out todays trade-related reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. And follow TSN.ca through Deadline Day for all the updates. Whos Peeping at Tom? Thomas Vanek reportedly rejected a long-term deal from the Islanders, thrusting his name to the forefront of trade speculation once more. But who are the contenders that might look to bring the Austrian sniper on board? TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie believes the Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings would be foremost amongst the teams looking to add a scoring winger. He notes that the Penguins have cap issues but that Veneks level of skill will be enticing to a lot of contending teams. Meanwhile, The Buffalo News took a different angle on Vaneks reported rejection of the Islanders by looking at a deal that might have been. The News wondered what the Sabres may have looked like had the team connected this past summer on a discussed trade with the Boston Bruins for Tyler Seguin. Sunshine Stopper Tim Thomas says hes open to sticking around with the Florida Panthers. "Im certainly willing to entertain the idea. I havent talked to the club about that," Thomas told the Sun Sentinel on Monday. "I was hoping by this time to be seeing more team success. Thats been a little bit difficult,&rdqquo; the 39-year-old continued. Joe Pavelski Jersey. “Having said that, its a process. I knew coming into it where the team was last year. I bought into this process, and what were trying to do is turn it around." The Panthers signed Thomas to a one-year, $2.5 million deal this past off-season after the two-time Vezina-winner took a year away from hockey. The team currently possesses the NHLs third-worst record. Cally Cash TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger revealed more on the current impasse between the New York Rangers and captain Ryan Callahan. Dreger said Callahan is believed to be seeking more than $6.5 million but less than $7 million per year on a seven-year term from the Rangers. Theres Rangers dont have a lot of wiggle room in negotiations with Callahan and thats why Glen Sather is considering and working towards moving his captain. On his Mark Winnipeg Jets defenceman Mark Stuarts pending unrestricted free agency has thrust his name into trade speculation, but hes reportedly more interested in finishing what hes started with the team. TSN Radio 1290 Winnipeg host Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press tweeted on Monday that Stuart has said he wants to stay with the Jets beyond the deadline and into the future. Stuarts three-year, $1.7 million AAV deal expires at seasons end. The Jets currently seventh in the Central Division. 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