Joel Auerbach/Getty Images, G.M. Andrews/AP Photo, Scott Ryan/Diamond Images/Getty ImagesA newly drafted NFL player kissing his significant other after getting the good news has never stirred up so much controversy.
And here's hoping it never will again. But in the meantime, not everyone in the sporting world was ready, apparently, to see ESPN's coverage of Michael Sam kissing his boyfriend after finding out that he had been drafted by the St. Louis Rams.
Miami Dolphins safety Don Jones was fined and temporarily excused from team activities after tweeting "omg" and then, when asked whether his post had to do with the kiss, responded with "horrible."
"We were disappointed to read Don's tweets during the NFL Draft," read a statement issued by the Dolphins. "They were inappropriate and unacceptable, and we regret the negative impact these comments had on such an important weekend for the NFL.
"We met with Don today about respect, discrimination and judgment. These comments are not consistent with the values and standards of our program. We will continue to emphasize and educate our players that these statements will not be tolerated."
Jones seemed to get the message loud and clear, issuing a public apology to Sam for his "inappropriate comments."
"I take full responsibility for them and I regret that these tweets took away from his draft moment," said the 23-year-old safety, who just capped off his rookie season with the Dolphins. "I remember last year when I was drafted in the seventh round and all of the emotions and happiness I felt when I received the call that gave me an opportunity to play for an NFL team and I wish him all the best in his NFL career. I sincerely apologize to Mr. Ross, my teammates, coaches, staff and fans for these tweets. I am committed to represent the values of the Miami Dolphins organization and appreciate the opportunity I have been given to do so going forward."
Retired NFL running back Derrick Ward, however, defended his right to say what he wanted about ESPN showing the kiss after he received death threats for his comments.
"Gotta love America," the former New York Giant tweeted last night. "Home of the greatest s--t talkers on earth. The past 24hrs I've been accused of being prejudice a bigot Had a few people Say they wanted to kill me and my kids. I was the worst player in the NFL. They hope I die. And my kids killed. All because I said I didn't Think it was appropriate for someone to shove cake down another persons face then tongue them down on national tv.
"Not once saying anything About the persons sexual preference. But. That's America for u. All I can do is smile and say thank u for seeing things that aren't there!"
Ward tweeted Saturday after the kiss aired: "Man U got little kids lookin at the draft. I can't believe ESPN even allowed that to happen...Everyone who comments on my page saying what dude did was fine is getting blocked," Ward tweeted. "So far I've blocked 10 people."
And putting "your tongue into the other person's mouth is a little overboard," he added. "But people seen that as oh i'm bashing him because he's gay. Who cares!!!"