Michael Sam provided compelling evidence Saturday that he's absolutely the right guy for this unique spotlight.
Silver: Standing with Sam
Facing the assembled media for the first time since announcing he's gay, Michael Sam truly impressed Michael Silver. **READ**
Sam, the NFL's first openly gay draft prospect, was at complete ease answering questions from a massive media contingent during his availability at the NFL Scouting Combine.
One of those questions centered on the Miami Dolphins, whose ugly locker room culture was laid bare in Ted Wells' independent report released last week. Knowing what the public now knows, would Sam be comfortable getting his name called by the Dolphins at Radio City Music Hall?
"If the Miami Dolphins drafted me I will be excited to be a part of that organization, but I'm not thinking about going into that environment," he said. "I know how to handle myself. I know how to communicate with my teammates. I know how to communicate with the coaches and know the staff, whoever I need to communicate with."
If Richie Incognito were still under the radar and causing havoc, Sam might have something to worry about. But you can safely assume the Dolphins' locker room in 2014 will be very, very different from the way it was a year earlier.
In truth, the Dolphins could be one of the best places Sam could land. Imagine that.
*The latest "Around The League Podcast" taped live from the NFL Scouting Combine with all the latest free agency and draft news. *