Michael Sam’s Dad Says He Was ‘Terribly Misquoted’
On Sunday night, former Missouri linebacker Michael Sam announced that he was gay. Less than 48 hours later, Sam's father, Michael Sam Sr. gave a non-supportive reaction to the New York Times.
“I couldn’t eat no more, so I went to Applebee’s to have drinks,” Sam Sr. said. “I don’t want my grandkids raised in that kind of environment.
“I'm old school. I'm a man-and-a-woman type of guy.”
The New York Times also reported that Sam Sr. said Hall of Famer Deacon Jones is 'turning over in his grave'.
Now, Sam Sr. has told the Galveston County Daily News that he was 'terribly misquoted'.
"I did not say anything about my grandkids," Sam Sr. said.
In regards to Deacon Jones, he said that was inaccurate as well.
"I told them that Deacon Jones is going to roll over in his grave because here comes my son and that's he's going to be a star in the NFL."
In fact, Sam Sr. has done a complete 180:
"My son did the right thing, and I am not against him at all. He has made a great statement in coming out, and that he should be able to play in the NFL. I love him unconditionally. Once he gets on the field and hits (someone) once, they won't think he's gay."
New York Times editor Jason Stallman sent out the following statement:
"We generally are not inclined to discuss the details of our reporting, but I can assure you that we quoted Mr. Sam accurately and fairly. I've gone over it with our reporters, and everything was rock solid, beyond any doubt."