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Hell of a week, huh?
— Rock M Nation (@rockmnation) February 17, 2014
It's been over a week now since Michael Sam came out publicly to Outsports, the New York Times, and ESPN. We saw national media exposure, some beautiful reads, some awful reads, a hateful protest, and a lovely response. We've been given infinite reasons to be proud of this university; its response has been almost completely note-perfect.
The circumstances behind Sam's story -- coming out to the team in the preseason, helping to lead that team to a top-five finish -- were so strong that they almost had to have been scripted. His experience proves that a football team with a strong culture and steady leadership can overcome something that is supposed to "chemically imbalance" a locker room. It also proves that Mizzou has a pretty strong culture and steady leadership. We know there were people within the team that were uncomfortable with this, and we know that everybody overcame it on the field.
In the end, this might neither help nor hurt Missouri's football program moving forward, but that's really not the point. We know this week that this university, its administrators and its students, easily passed a test of simple caring, inclusion, and acceptance. And I'm honestly not sure what else I have to say beyond that. You had a good week, Mizzou.
If this is what coaches are going to use to negatively recruit against Missouri, then good luck with that pic.twitter.com/wZvrR6Pbhr
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) February 11, 2014
The Trib (Behind the Stripes): 'Stand with Sam' human wall draws large crowd before Tennessee-Missouri basketball game
The Trib: MU students behind Michael Sam tribute surprised wintry stunt drew so much attention
The Trib: Michael Sam stands with history
Football Perspective: The Thamel/Evans column on Michael Sam is Reprehensible
KC Star: Michael Sam gets biggest ovation from MU fans as Tigers recognized as Cotton Bowl champs
KC Star: Mizzou fraternity shows support for Michael Sam
KC Star: Michael Sam holds extra meaning for one Missouri football fan
KBIA Sports: Hundreds stand in support of Michael Sam
Fox Sports MW: Supporters 'Stand With Sam' to block Westboro Baptist Church protest of former Mizzou Tiger Michael Sam
Mizzou Network: Michael Sam returns to Mizzou
And I know, I know ... MSNBC, et cetera ... but I wanted to share the two parts of Dave Matter's appearance on Up yesterday. I thought the discussion was pretty solid and had absolutely nothing to do with Chris Christie and bridges. If he had gone on Fox, I'd be embedding that, too.
Well done, Dave.