Ross Says Fins Would Welcome Sam With "Open Arms"
DAVIE (CBSMiami) – Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is the latest NFL executive to weigh in on the landmark decision by NFL Draft prospect Michael Sam to reveal his homosexuality.
"Michael Sam's announcement is a significant step in sports and I respect the choice that he made publicly," Ross said in a statement. "Dennis Hickey, Joe Philbin, and I all agree on the same thing; we'll draft the best players that can help us win football games, have high character and contribute to the community."
Ross continued, "If he is a member of our organization, Michael will be welcomed here with open arms as part of our family."
Sam was a defensive end at the University of Missouri, but may not have the size to play end in the NFL. He's projected as a "tweener" because he's between the size of an end and that of an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
The one thing Sam did better than almost anyone in the SEC last year was rush the passer. He finished the season as a co-defensive player of the year in the toughest football conference in college football. After 14 games as a senior, Sam had 48 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, five QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and one fumble return for a touchdown.
