Michelle Obama Tweets Support For Gay College Football Player Michael Sam
The First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama is letting her feelings about the announcement made by Michael Sam — who came out this weekend — known, as she tweeted her support for the football star.
Mrs. Obama called the University of Missouri prospective All-American “an inspiration to all of us” in her encouraging message on the Twiter account @FLOTUS, run by the First Lady’s office, but signed “mo” as an indication that she sent the tweet personally.
You're an inspiration to all of us, @MikeSamFootball. We couldn't be prouder of your courage both on and off the field. -mo
— FLOTUS (@FLOTUS) February 10, 2014
To which Sam responded:
@FLOTUS Thank you for your kind words, humbled by your support.
— Michael Sam (@MikeSamFootball) February 10, 2014
The President of the United States also retweeted the First Lady’s original tweet.
During the daily White House briefing, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said the President shared the sentiments expressed by Michelle Obama and is encouraged by Sam’s courage and congratulates “him on the decisions he has made.”
This is not the first time Michelle Obama has sided with someone outing themselves, last year, she sent a similar tweet of support to Robin Roberts — co-host of ABC’s Good Morning America — who revealed she was in a committed relationship with girlfriend Amber Laign, in late December of 2013.
.@RobinRoberts, I am so happy for you and Amber! You continue to make us all proud. -mo
— FLOTUS (@FLOTUS) December 30, 2013
In an interview with Robin Roberts in May of 2012, — when he announced his support for gay marriage — President Obama said he went “through and evolution on this issue.”
“You know, Malia and Sasha, they’ve got friends whose parents are same-sex couples. And I — you know, there have been times where Michelle and I have been sittin’ around the dinner table. And we’ve been talkin’ and — about their friends and their parents. And Malia and Sasha would — it wouldn’t dawn on them that somehow their friends’ parents would be treated differently. It doesn’t make sense to them. And — and frankly — that’s the kind of thing that prompts — a change of perspective. You know, not wanting to somehow explain to your child why somebody should be treated — differently, when it comes to— the eyes of the law.”
Michelle Obama’s tweet of support comes after Michael Sam — a top NFL prospect — proudly came out saying he is gay, as many of his teammates had suspected.
Michael Sam is entering uncharted territory, as possibly the first openly gay football player in the NFL, knowing full well that this revelation could hurt his professional career, as it comes prior to the draft, scheduled for May.
