Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign, now accuses St. Louis Rams of blatant discrimination against homosexuals for refusing to place Michael Sam on its practice squad
BarkGrowlBite | September 3, 2014
On Monday,, after the St. Louis Rams cut Michael Sam from the team, Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign, blasted the Rams for drafting the first openly gay pro football player just so they could have a ‘token queer’ on their team. He also accused the other NFL teams of being homophobic because none of them picked up Sam.
Many sports commentators expected the Rams to pick up Sam for their practice squad should he be passed over by the other teams. However, when he cleared waivers, the Rams did not do so. An infuriated Griffin released this new statement:
It is obvious that the Rams do not want any gay players in their organization. First they cut their token queer and now that he has cleared waivers, they refuse even to place Michael on the practice squad. How can they explain that when Michael performed so well during the Rams’ preseason games? There is only one explanation – It’s blatant discrimination against homosexuals, that’s what it is, blatant discrimination. The Human Rights Campaign is calling on Attorney General Eric Holder to prosecute the Rams for violating Michael Sam’s civil rights. We are also calling on the EEOC to take appropriate action against the Rams.
Eric Holder says he is acutely aware of the Sam situation. “I have consulted with President Obama,” said Holder, “and while the president is convinced the Rams acted out of bias against gays, he cannot issue an executive order forcing them to keep Michael Sam because the Rams do not receive any federal funds. And the Justice Department is helpless in this matter because the House is holding up a pending civil rights bill that will grant equal rights to gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders.
EEOC Chair Jacqueline Berrien said, “The EEOC would love to file a discrimination lawsuit against the Rams, but I do not believe there is a law barring discrimination against gays. However, I will have our staff attorneys look into any possible action we may be able to take against the Rams.”
The Unconventional Gazette was able to reach Stan Kroenky, owner of the Rams. “The only thing I have to say is that Mr. Griffin’s accusations are outrageous,” said Kroenky. “Feel free to contact our general manager Les Snead for any further information.”
TUG contacted Les Snead who said, “Mr. Kroenky has made it quite clear that the charges about the Rams discriminating against Michael Sam are absolutely outrageous. Those are exactly my sentiments. I would suggest you contact coach Fisher for any additional information.”
We attempted to contact Jeff Fisher, but his secretary advised us he would not be making any comments on the Sam situation.
Our calls to Sam went unanswered. However, we did talk to Vito Cammisano, Michael’s boyfriend. A sobbing Vito told us he was utterly shocked and heartbroken when the Rams cut Michael and even more so when no other NFL team picked him up. “But this is the lowest blow of all,” said Vito. “When they won’t even put Michael on the practice squad something is terribly, terribly wrong! I’m sorry, but I can’t talk anymore, I’m just too broken up over this.”
Reports have been circulating that members of Queer Nation intend to picket all Rams games.
BREAKING NEWS | September 3, 2014
BarkGrowlBite just learned that ESPN Football Insider Adam Schefter has reported that the Dallas Cowboys have scheduled Michael Sam for a physical, and if he passes it on Wednesday, he will be placed on the America's Team practice squad.
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