Tony Dungy Says He Wouldn't Have Drafted Michael Sam Because 'Things Will Happen'
(CBS) Former NFL coach and current NBC analyst Tony Dungy told the Tampa Bay Tribune that he wouldn't have drafted Michael Sam, the first openly gay player in the NFL, because he wouldn't want to handle the distractions and because "things will happen."
Sam was selected in the seventh round by the Rams, who have said they're more than ready to handle the increased attention that comes with drafting Sam, who was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year last season.
"I wouldn't have taken him,'' Dungy said. "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.''
Dungy didn't expand on what he meant by the latter part, but his comments come at a time in which this is a hot-button issue. The Vikings recently announced they've suspended special teams coordinator Mike Priefer for three games after allegations by former punter Chris Kluwe that Priefer made anti-gay slurs and taunts.
Kluwe has said he will sue for discrimination and defamation and wrongful interference of his contract, claiming the Vikings cut ties with him because Kluwe has supported gay rights.
