Updated 12:31 AM EDT, Tue, Mar 19, 2024

Montreal Alouettes Move DL Michael Sam to Suspended List Following ‘Personal Reasons’ Exit

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After leaving the Montreal Alouettes last week citing personal reasons, Michael Sam has been placed on the team's suspended list on Monday.

In an earlier statement, the team revealed that the defensive lineman "asked a special permission to leave training camp and return home for personal reasons," as per Yahoo Sports

"With all due respect for Michael Sam, the nature of this decision will remain confidential. The Montreal Alouettes fully respect Michael Sam's decision and rally around him to offer him all time and support needed. The team has left the door open and Michael is welcome to come back whenever he feels ready," the statement furthered.

The team's head coach Tom Higgins said in a Montreal Gazette report that with all that has happened, they just want to put everything behind them. "That's not to be discussed," he said.

Meanwhile, Alouettes general manager Jim Popp said that Sam's decision totally surprised him.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he returns. I'm surprised he left. I was very surprised. If he doesn't come back, I would think football's over for him. He's the one that has to face that. But I don't think he doesn't want to play football. That's why he came here," he told Montreal Gazette.

Popp said that Sam wanted to go home and take care of personal things in his life.

After his failed attempt in the NFL, Sam decided to move to the Canadian professional football and join the Alouettes though he reportedly had a hard time adjusting to some of its rules, including the yard off the ball and the two-point stance.

In an earlier report, MSN said that the Alouettes' acquisition of Sam is a sign of its "better organization."

"Not only have we added an outstanding football player, we have added even a better person that brings dignity, character, and heart to our team," Popp noted in an earlier statement.

Now, there are surfacing reports that a comment from someone on the team may have led Sam to completely change his mind.

"All I know is I heard somebody made a comment about him, about how he wasn't very good and wasn't having a very good camp. He took it personally and was pouting in his room.  It's very strange. I have no idea what's going on. He might have a personal issue," a Montreal Gazette source revealed.

He also reportedly did not mingle with his teammates during practice but there is also the possibility that too much pressure and attention from the media havemade him unsure of his plans for his career.

Sam is the first openly gay player to get drafted in the NFL. He got recently engaged to his boyfriend Vito Cammisano.

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