Just days after announcing that Oprah Winfrey’s OWN would chronicle Michael Sam’s every move for a documentary series, officials said Friday that the project has been placed on hold indefinitely, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Last week, Sam made headlines when he became the first openly gay player to be drafted by the NFL's St. Louis Rams in the seventh round. But the spotlight could get in the way of Sam's ability to accomplish his dream of making it onto the team, officials worry, according to the report.
“After careful consideration and discussion with the St. Louis Rams, the untitled Michael Sam project has been postponed, allowing Michael the best opportunity to achieve his dream of making the team,” Erik Logan, president of OWN, told the celebrity news site. “OWN is about elevating and empowering people to achieve their best. It’s clear that we, along with the world, recognize the important opportunity that Michael now has in this moment. We will continue to support him in his journey to earn a spot playing for the Rams.”
Cameron Weiss, Sam’s agent, agreed.
“After today’s meeting with the Rams, we collectively feel it is best to postpone the project,” Weiss told the site. “This will allow for Michael to have a total focus on football and will ensure no distractions to his teammates. Everybody involved remains committed to this project and understands its historical importance as well as its positive message.”
But all is not lost. Sam has already garnered an endorsement deal with Visa and has the best record for jersey sales, second only to Johnny Manziel, also known as Johnny Football.
Read more at the Hollywood Reporter.