Michael Sam wins award for bravery in coming out

The world’s first out gay American football player has won an award for his bravery in revealing his sexuality.

Michael Sam – who came out earlier this year shortly before being picked to play for the St Louis Rams NFL team – gave an emotional speech when he accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at sports network EPSN’s annual prize ceremony in Los Angeles last night (July 16).

Apologising for stumbling over his words, Sam said that it was his responsibility “to stand up for everybody out there who wants nothing more than to be themselves openly”.

During the speech, Sam thanked his boyfriend, whom he kissed on live television when he was drafted into the NFL. “People tell me that I’m their inspiration,” he said tearfully. “You are my inspiration”.

He concluded: “Finally, to anyone out there – especially young people – feeling like they don’t fit in and would never be accepted, please know this: Great things can happen when you have the courage to be yourself.”

Watch Michae; Sam’s full speech below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbvaBB78lkU#t=257