Michael Sam's father told The New
York Times that he's not comfortable with his son's coming out
gay.
Sam is the 24-year-old college football
player and solid NFL draft prospect who came out gay Sunday. If
drafted, Sam would become the NFL's first openly gay player.
(Related: Michael
Sam, NFL draft prospect, comes out gay.)
Sam received praise from the Obamas
after coming out, but his father remains skeptical.
“I don't want my grandkids raised in
that kind of environment,” Michael
Sam Sr. told the nation's paper of record. “I'm old school.
I'm a man and a woman type of guy.”
“As a black man, we have so many
hurdles to cross. This is just one he has to cross,” he added.
In a tweet, the younger Sam thanked his
family for their support: “Want to give an additional thanks to my
supportive family and team.”
(Related: Michael
Sam's coming out troubles conservatives.)