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Bill Belichick: Patriots open to Michael Sam

On Sunday night, Missouri defensive end Michael Sam, the Southeast Conference defensive player of the year, announced through a couple of news outlets that he is gay, putting him in line to become the first openly gay active NFL player.

On Monday, after media requests for his thoughts on Sam, Patriots’ coach Bill Belichick prepared the following statement:

“We evaluate all the players, including Michael Sam, based on the totality of who they are and who can best contribute to our team and organization, regardless of the matters being discussed today. They all have strengths, they all have weaknesses and no two human beings are identical.

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“Our scouting staff has performed extensive work on Michael, both this season and going back throughout his career. That work will continue through the draft process this spring.”

Sam is expected to take part in the NFL Combine, which officially begins Feb. 19.