OWN, Oprah Winfrey's network, has decided to postpone filming of its reality series on Michael Sam, the first openly gay NFL player, just days after his new prospective St. Louis Rams teammates expressed concern about the project, according to The Wrap.
"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," OWN President Erik Logan said in a statement.
The decision was reached after a meeting between the network and the Rams organization.
The documentary was expected to take a "deeply, personal and up-close" look at the life of Sam after the football player made history when he was selected in the seventh round of the NFL draft, the Wall Street Journal reported.
However, according to ESPN.com, Sam did not tell the Rams about the documentary, and at least one St. Louis player believed the documentary could end up being a distraction.
"It's an interesting case that he gets to work with Oprah and have his own show, but I think it does raise eyebrows and it may be somewhat of a distraction," an unnamed Rams player said.
The Rams told Windy City Times it did not have a statement about the situation.
Andrew Davis