OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network, announced Friday that it is putting its docu-series on St. Louis Rams rookie Michael Sam on hold.
“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 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 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.”
Sam’s agent, Cameron Weiss, also released a similar statement saying that they had met with the Rams and that all sides agreed that postponement was the best route to take. Weiss added, “Everybody involved remains committed to this project and understands its historical importance as well as its positive message.”
Neither the Rams nor the NFL knew of Sam’s plans to star in the series before the draft. OWN wouldn’t have had permission to film in the Rams’ practice facilities, but that was never the network’s plan.
As a last-round draft pick, the possibility of Sam being cut is very real, so it probably is better that both sides wait on the project.
Photo via Twitter/@YahooSports
