Former NFL Running Back: Michael Sam Is 'No Bueno' For Kiss On National TV

Former NFL Running Back Not Okay With Michael Sam's Display Of Affection
Houston Texans running back Derrick Ward (32) waits on the sidelines in a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Texans. The Texans defeated the Buccaneers 37-9 in an NFL game Sunday, November 13, 2011 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Margaret Bowles)
Houston Texans running back Derrick Ward (32) waits on the sidelines in a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Texans. The Texans defeated the Buccaneers 37-9 in an NFL game Sunday, November 13, 2011 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Margaret Bowles)

Michael Sam's historic selection in the NFL draft on Saturday was for the most part a joyous affair. But NFL running back Derrick Ward had a problem with the way Sam reacted after he was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round. An emotional Sam, who became the first openly gay player to be drafted into the NFL in the NFL, celebrated with family and kissed his boyfriend after the memorable phone call from Rams coach Jeff Fisher. He also playfully smeared a piece of cake on his boyfriend's face.

Ward thought the kiss -- and the cake -- crossed the line. The 33-year-old, who last played in the NFL with the Houston Texans in 2011, delivered a long rant on Twitter, ripping Sam for his actions and ESPN for broadcasting them. Ward insisted that Sam's sexuality wasn't the issue; he claimed he would have been bothered if he had kissed a woman instead.

Everyone who comments on my page saying what dude did was fine is getting blocked. So far I've blocked 10 people

— Derrick Ward (@derrickward32) May 10, 2014

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the Derrick Ward position and his status in the NFL.

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