Tony Dungy wouldn't want Michael Sam on his team because 'things will happen'
 
 
Former NFL coach Tony Dungy says he would not have drafted Michael Sam, the NFL's first openly gay player, because he wouldn't want to deal with Sam's supposed baggage.
"I wouldn't have taken him,'' the NBC football analyst and former Buccaneers and Colts coach told The Tampa Tribune. "Not because I don't believe Michael Sam should have a chance to play, but I wouldn't want to deal with all of it."
Sam's transition to the NFL is "not going to be totally smooth," Dungy explained, adding that "things will happen."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
 
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The St. Louis Rams, who took Sam 249th overall, do not share that concern. "In the world of diversity we live in now," coach Jeff Fisher said when the team drafted Sam, "I'm honored to be a part of this."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Jon Terbush is an associate editor at TheWeek.com covering politics, sports, and other things he finds interesting. He has previously written for Talking Points Memo, Raw Story, and Business Insider.
- 
 Testosterone therapy in women highlights the lack of women’s health research Testosterone therapy in women highlights the lack of women’s health researchThe explainer There is no FDA-approved testosterone product for women 
- 
 Magazine solutions - November 7, 2025 Magazine solutions - November 7, 2025Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - November 7, 2025 
- 
 Magazine printables - November 7, 2025 Magazine printables - November 7, 2025Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - November 7, 2025 
- 
 Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstancesSpeed Read 
- 
 Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2 Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2Speed Read 
- 
 'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor 'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governorSpeed Read 
- 
 Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditionsSpeed Read 
- 
 Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billionSpeed Read 
- 
 Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on recordSpeed Read 
- 
 Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homesSpeed Read 
- 
 Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creatureSpeed Read 
