Another door opens: Michael Sam and the Rams smash a barrier; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 5/16/14

Editorial Board, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Another door opens: Michael Sam and the Rams smash a barrier:

"Once again, the St. Louis Rams are leading the National Football League into the future. In 1946, the Rams (then in Los Angeles) defied the bigots in the bleachers and on rival teams by signing Kenny Washington, an African-American, to its formerly all-white roster.

Before Washington became the first African-American to play in the NFL, the conventional wisdom was that many white fans would not accept racial integration of the sport. But Washington’s talent on the field silenced the bigots, making it easier for the black athletes who followed to be accepted and respected in the NFL...

One day, drafting players who happen to be gay will be as unremarkable as drafting players who happen to be black. But just as Kenny Washington had to walk through that door for black players first, Mr. Sam’s frankness about himself will open doors — and minds — for others."