St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher defended Michael Sam from the insensitive comments made by former National Football League coach Tony Dungy about the rookie's sexual orientation.
Dungy recently stirred controversy when he told the Tampa Tribune that he would not have selected Sam in 2014 NFL Draft to avoid creating distractions inside the locker room.
"I wouldn't have taken him," Dungy said of Sam. "Not because I don't believe Michael Sam should have a chance to play, but I wouldn't want to deal with all of it. It's not going to be totally smooth ... things will happen."
Responding to Dungy's surprising comment, Fisher said that Sam, the first openly gay player to be selected in the NFL draft, has not been a distraction to the team in their preparation for the upcoming season.
"Let's define distraction. There were a couple extra cameras during the early OTAs, there may have been an extra camera yesterday as the rookies reported and went on the field for the first time, but no, it's not," Fisher said via ESPN.
Sam played down Dungy's comment against him on Tuesday, jokingly said that he is thankful that Dungy is not the Rams' coach during the draft, while also adding that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Sam's response to Dungy's controversial remarks earned praises from Fisher.
"I think his response to Tony's stuff yesterday was heartfelt and honest," Fisher said. "It's interesting that it's different inside the building than the perception is outside. Michael Sam is one of 14 defensive linemen we have on the roster. It's going to be very, very competitive at this position, as everybody knows."
Dungy recently clarified that he has nothing against Sam, insisting that he just gave an honest answer. The former Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach also reiterated that his comments were influenced by his strong Christian faith.
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