Michael Sam's docu-reality series has been postponed by OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network, seemingly because the St. Louis Rams aren't okay with it.
ADVERTISEMENT
"After today's meeting with the Rams, we collectively feel it is best to postpone the project," Sam's representative Cameron Weiss said in a media statement released Friday.
"This will allow for Michael to have a total focus on football, and will ensure no distractions to his teammates. Everybody involved remains committed to this project and understands its historical importance as well as its positive message."
News The Untitled Michael Sam Project is being delayed came only two short days after the series' pick-up announcement. Reports have claimed the NFL and the Rams were unaware of Sam's reality TV plans.
"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 dream of making the team," network president Erik Logan explained in a statement.
ADVERTISEMENT
"OWN is about elevating and empowering people to achieve their best. It's clear that we, along with the world, recognize the important opportunity that Michael now has in this moment. We will continue to support him in his journey to earn a spot playing for the Rams."
The Untitled Michael Sam Project was supposed to follow the life of Sam, who recently made history when he became the first openly gay football player drafted into the NFL by the St. Louis Rams. Sam had been drafted in the seventh and final round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
It remains unclear when OWN will revisit the project.
The Untitled Michael Sam Project was being produced with OWN by Pilgrim Studios and executive produced by Craig Piligian, Nicholas Caprio and Johnny Gould. Weiss, Joe Barkett and Howard Bragman were set to serve as producers.
The production team is the same one behind Lindsay Lohan's recent Lindsay reality series on OWN.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski