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Good morning, New York Giants' fans! Here are your Tuesday morning Giants' headlines.
As might have been expected, the Giants' organization was among the first to come out in support of Missouri defensive end Michael Sam, likely to become the first openly gay man to play in the NFL. Here are the statements from Giants' co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch.
Mara:
"I would just echo what the league and Zak DeOssie, one of our captains, have said in welcoming Michael into our league and supporting him as he attempts to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL," Mara said. "Our sport, our game, is the ultimate meritocracy. You earn your way with your ability. As Patrick Burke and Wade Davis constantly remind all of us, regardless of who you are, what your background is and what your personal or sexual orientation is, if you can play, you can play. Michael's announcement will not affect his position on our draft board."
Tisch:
Michael Sam is a gifted athlete and a courageous man. I hope any NFL team would not hesitate to draft Michael if he is right for their team. Our game is the ultimate team game, and we often talk about how a team is a family. Regardless of where you are from, what your religious beliefs are, what your sexual orientation is, if you are good enough to be on the team, you are part of the family. How the University of Missouri and its football program embraced and supported Michael is a tremendous blueprint for all of us, but frankly, I think the lessons of our game also provide the same positive example."
None of that means the Giants would draft Sam given the opportunity -- he is undersized for a 4-3 defensive end at 6-foot-2, 260 pounds. It is, however, another indication of why the Giants are one of the NFL's classiest organizations.
Following Sam's announcement, there is now word that a current NFL player may come out.
Peter King surveyed NFL GMs in regards to Sam and found mixed opinions on whether or not they would draft him.
Pittsburgh Steelers' safety Ryan Clark, speaking about Sam on 'SportsCenter,' said players will "want to know how you can behave around this person."
Other News
Yes, there is news that does not involve Sam. Here are some of those headlines.
Former Giants' quarterback Jared Lorenzen, who recently got attention for returning to playing quarterback despite being well over 300 pounds, has seen his comeback end. Lorenzen suffered a broken leg in his most recent game.
Former Giants' tight end Travis Beckum has signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Beckum was out of the NFL in 2013.
Pro Football Talk takes a team-by-team look at players who could receive the franchise tag.
