WATCH: Michael Sam has left the Montreal Alouettes training camp for personal reasons, but the team is saying he’s welcome back whenever he feels ready.
MONTREAL – Michael Sam has left the Montreal Alouettes training camp for personal reasons.
The Alouettes released a statement on Friday saying the rookie defensive end has been given special permission to return home to Texas after several media outlets noted his absence practice.
“With all due respect for Michael Sam, the nature of this decision will remain confidential,” said the statement. “The Montreal Alouettes fully respect Michael Sam’s decision and rally around him to offer him all time and support needed.
“The team has left the door open and Michael is welcome to come back whenever he feels ready.”
WATCH: Michael Sam excited to be a part of the Montreal Alouettes
The club added that they they will have no further comment on Sam at this time.
Sam’s departure comes three weeks after he became the first openly gay player to sign in the CFL. Montreal plays its first pre-season game Saturday night in Quebec City.
The 25-year-old Sam was selected in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams, becoming the first openly gay player chosen by an NFL team. He was later cut by the Rams and from the Dallas Cowboys’ practice roster.
READ MORE: Michael Sam signing with CFL historic moment, says Brian Burke
He is part of a tiny group of professional athletes who have chosen to go public about their sexual orientation. Retired NBA player Jason Collins came out in April 2013 while Los Angeles Galaxy soccer star Robbie Rogers is the lone out player in Major League Soccer. There are no openly gay players in Major League Baseball or the NHL.
A star at Missouri in college, Sam earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honours in 2013 before turning pro.
READ THE STATEMENT IN FULL:
The Montreal Alouettes organization would like to clarify the situation surrounding international defensive end Michael Sam. Friday morning, Michael asked the team a special permission to leave training camp and return home for personal reasons.
With all due respect for Michael Sam, the nature of this decision will remain confidential.
The Montreal Alouettes fully respect Michael Sam’s decision and rally around him to offer him all time and support needed. The team has left the door open and Michael is welcome to come back whenever he feels ready.
The organization will have no further comment on this matter at this time.
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