The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) has called off its plans for a Michael Sam Documentary series which would have featured followed the journey of NFL’s first opening gay player.
After being announced on Wednesday the venture immediately drew criticism after it was learned that Sam failed to disclose the proposed show to potential teams prior to the draft. He was later drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round.
“We learned of this in the days after the draft,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
McCarthy said OWN had not signed any agreement that would allow the network to use league footage or any of its trademarks in the show.
Now plans for the series have been called off by the network.
“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. “OWN is about elevating and empowering people to achieve their best. It’s clear that we, along with the world, recognize the opportunity that Michael has in this moment. We will continue to support him in his journey to earn a spot playing for the Rams.”
