Oprah’s OWN network postpones Michael Sam TV series

Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network has announced it is postponing its planned reality series starring Michael Sam.

The recently-announced multi-part series was to follow the out gay American football player as he begins his foray into the world of professional sport and fights to earn his spot on the St Louis Rams NFL (National Football League) team.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, rumours have been swirling that Sam’s team was unaware of the upcoming series – and felt unhappy about the potential distraction it could cause.

OWN President Erik Logan announced that the series was being put on hold in a statement released yesterday (May 16), saying:

“After careful consideration and discussion with the St Louis Rams, the untitled Michael Sam project has been postponed, allowing him the best opportunity to achieve his dream of making the team. OWN is about empowering people to achieve their best. It’s clear that we recognise the important opportunity that Michael now has in this moment. We will continue to support him in his journey.”

Meanwhile, Sam’s agent Michael Weiss added: “After today’s meeting with the Rams, we collectively feel it is best to postpone the project. This will allow for Michael to have a total focus on football and will ensure no distractions to his teammates.”

Sam, 24, came out in February, and following his selection by the St Louis Rams last weekend (May 11), he will become only the second out gay athlete to compete in any of North America’s four major professional sports leagues – football, baseball, basketball and hockey – after basketball player Jason Collins was selected for the NBA earlier this year.

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