Author Topic: Michael Sam gets a reality show on Oprah’s network  (Read 881 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline flowers

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18,798
Michael Sam gets a reality show on Oprah’s network
« on: May 16, 2014, 03:30:22 pm »
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/14/michael-sam-gets-a-reality-show-on-oprahs-network/

Quote
Rams defensive end Michael Sam is getting a reality show.

The Oprah Winfrey Network announced today that it is working with Sam on a reality TV project that will show his life as the first openly gay player in the NFL.

“We are honored that Michael is trusting us with his private journey in this moment that has not only made history but will shape it forever,” Oprah Winfrey said in a statement. “I am proud of the focus on authentic storytelling in our new documentary series format.”

There’s been no word on how much access the Rams will give the reality TV cameras, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the team has some qualms about it. NFL teams generally prefer for their rookies to put all their energy into football, not outside projects. That’s why A.J. McCarron quickly distanced himself from it when his fiancee, Katherine Webb, was reportedly in talks for a reality show. And that may be why Sam, in a statement, made clear that his focus is on making the team.

“Like every player out there working to make a team right now, my focus is on playing football to the very best of my ability,” said Sam. “I am determined. And if seeing my story helps somebody else accept who they are and to go for their dreams too, that’s great. I am thankful to Oprah for her support and excited to work together.”

Working with Oprah will be nice, but working for Jeff Fisher is what Sam really needs to do in the next three months, if he still wants to be a Ram in four months.


Offline DCPatriot

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 45,802
  • Gender: Male
  • "...and the winning number is...not yours!
Re: Michael Sam gets a reality show on Oprah’s network
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2014, 04:09:33 pm »
It's my understanding that the Rams were in the dark as to the "Reality Show".   

From the start, the Rams are top-heavy in defensive set-ups....the chances that he's even going to make the team are slim and none.

...especially now, with the added distraction(s) of having cameras in the RAMS' facilities.

SIDENOTE:   It also makes that "kiss" with the wedding cake a less spontaneous event...with Oprah's network cameras on site.

Also, I'm sure that Vinnie's father...the mobster would like to change his son's name to Fredo.   LOL!
"It aint what you don't know that kills you.  It's what you know that aint so!" ...Theodore Sturgeon

"Journalism is about covering the news.  With a pillow.  Until it stops moving."    - David Burge (Iowahawk)

"It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living" F. Scott Fitzgerald

Offline flowers

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18,798
Re: Michael Sam gets a reality show on Oprah’s network
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2014, 05:27:54 pm »
the comment section is a interesting read. not many happy at this.


Offline mountaineer

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 78,125
Re: Michael Sam gets a reality show on Oprah’s network
« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2014, 05:29:19 pm »

From the start, the Rams are top-heavy in defensive set-ups....the chances that he's even going to make the team are slim and none.
I still think this guy thinks he's untouchable. If he gets cut, the Rams are branded as homophobes.
Support Israel's emergency medical service. afmda.org

Offline katzenjammer

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,512
Re: Michael Sam gets a reality show on Oprah’s network
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2014, 06:04:47 pm »

Offline DCPatriot

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 45,802
  • Gender: Male
  • "...and the winning number is...not yours!
Re: Michael Sam gets a reality show on Oprah’s network
« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2014, 06:08:38 pm »
I still think this guy thinks he's untouchable. If he gets cut, the Rams are branded as homophobes.

Catch 22.....if they don't, then others that DO get cut may claim damages under the "equal protection" clause(s).
"It aint what you don't know that kills you.  It's what you know that aint so!" ...Theodore Sturgeon

"Journalism is about covering the news.  With a pillow.  Until it stops moving."    - David Burge (Iowahawk)

"It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living" F. Scott Fitzgerald

Offline jmyrlefuller

  • J. Myrle Fuller
  • Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 22,326
  • Gender: Male
  • Realistic nihilist
    • Fullervision
Re: Michael Sam gets a reality show on Oprah’s network
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2014, 07:47:07 pm »
They might not legally be allowed to do this.

The NFL makes BILLIONS of dollars off selling the television rights to its product, and it extends from games right on down to the smallest organized team activity. Oprah does not own any of those rights.

So basically, the network will be restricted to something along the lines of "The T.O. Show" or "Ev and Ocho;" that is, they can film the stuff that goes on off the field and behind the scenes (OK, disturbing thought there!), but they won't be allowed to lay a camera on the football field.
New profile picture in honor of Public Domain Day 2024

Offline jmyrlefuller

  • J. Myrle Fuller
  • Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 22,326
  • Gender: Male
  • Realistic nihilist
    • Fullervision
Oprah Winfrey's Channel Calls Off Michael Sam Series
« Reply #7 on: May 18, 2014, 03:07:22 am »
Update: The reality show plans are off.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/05/17/313325564/oprah-winfreys-channel-calls-off-michael-sam-series?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=npr&utm_medium=social&utm_term=nprnews

by L. Carol Ritchie
May 17, 2014

Oprah Winfrey's television network was set to follow Michael Sam through rookie camp as he tried to earn a spot on the St. Louis Rams. The docuseries was to follow Sam, the first openly gay NFL player, with a camera team at training camp as well as his personal life — a "historic moment in professional sports," OWN's president told ESPN.

But OWN put the project on indefinite hold Friday to give Sam a chance to work without distraction.

"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 dreams of making the team," OWN president Erik Logan said in a statement.

Sam's agent, Cameron Weiss, said the decision to call off the series was made after a discussion with Sam and the Rams. "This will allow for Michael to have total focus on football, and will ensure no distractions to his teammates," Weiss told the media.

The NFL and the Rams were unaware of the documentary when they drafted Sam, Weiss said in an interview earlier this week, and Mike Florio of NBC Sports reports the team had been unconcerned. "Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Rams intend to cooperate with Sam in a way that will make the entire situation — including reality show — work out for everyone," Florio wrote.

Teammates were less comfortable, ESPN reported. An anonymous Rams player told the network that the appearance that Sam was striving for a measure of celebrity while the others were hoping to just make the roster was causing friction.

"It's an interesting case that he gets to work with Oprah and have his own show, but I think it does raise eyebrows and it may be somewhat of a distraction," the player told ESPN's Josina Anderson. "But this is our first time dealing with something like this, so we'll have to wait and see how it plays out and how people react."
Sports commentators were split on the documentary and Sam's wisdom in agreeing to do the series. Jason Whitlock of ESPN, a self-proclaimed "reformed homophobe," called the Oprah series a "gigantic tactical error."

"America, for the most part, would wrap its arms around Michael Sam, the gay, underdog football player fighting to find his place in the NFL," Witlock wrote last week when the OWN deal was announced. "America, for the most part, will reject Michael $am, the gay, in-your-face political/media pawn using the NFL as a platform to launch his celebrity brand."

But Sam Donnellon of the Philadelphia Daily News argued that Sam, who was SEC defensive player of the year but only drafted in the seventh round, is gutsy enough to overcome the distraction.

"Sam isn't just out. He's in full tackle mode," Donnellon wrote. "Michael Sam won't be a historic footnote, even if he's never a professional football player."
New profile picture in honor of Public Domain Day 2024