Daniel Radcliffe Speaks Out In Support Of Michael Sam

Just before Michael Sam's debut preseason NFL game as the first openly gay player to compete in the league, the athlete is recieving support from an unlikely place: Daniel Radcliffe.

The "Harry Potter" alum recently spoke with Out Magazine about a number of things, including the historic nature of Sam's legacy. He told the publication:

I think it’s fucking awesome. It’s fantastic that he’s got a team. It’s horrendous that he slipped to 249 after being the SEC defensive player of the year. People can say whatever they like about his athleticism, or not fitting the bill for certain conditions or whatever, but the fact is no player in the last six years to win that award has been drafted lower than 16th overall, I think. So it’s sad that that was an issue. But I think he’s amazing, frankly. In interviews, at no point does he allow himself to be portrayed as a victim or someone who deserves extra sympathy. He’s brilliant at shutting that down.

Sam made history earlier this year when he became the first openly gay player to ever be drafted into the NFL. He then sent shockwaves through the sports world when he kissed his boyfriend on live television after being drafted, causing a number of conservatives to lash out about the display of affection. Radcliffe found this outrage laughable:

My favorite comments online were the ones that said, “I don’t mind him being gay, but I don’t want to see him kiss his boyfriend.” Well, you kinda do mind, then. Also, I presume Michael Sam told the world he was gay so that when he was drafted he could do that without having to fucking think about it or hide it. And I think that’s a fantastic thing. Hopefully Michael Sam’s taking the plunge for everyone who will come after him.

Well said, Daniel. Head here to read the interview in full.

(h/t GLAAD)