Jason Merritt/Getty Images for GQMichael Sam won't be playing football in Canada anytime soon.
The 25-year-old former NFL player asked for permission Friday to leave the Montreal Alouettes' training camp for personal reasons. But the secrecy surrounding Sam's decision has everyone wondering what spurred him to leave his new team.
Originally the Alouettes released a statement that said the team would welcome Sam back should he decide he wants to return, but wouldn't give any clarity as to why he left to begin with. "The Montreal Alouettes fully respect Michael Sam's decision and rally around him to offer him all time and support needed," the statement, obtained by E! News, read.
"The team has left the door open and Michael is welcome to come back whenever he feels ready."
Head coach Tom Higgins made it clear he is looking forward to the future of the team, as he told reporters after Saturday night's game, "Everything that has been said is done."
He added, "A lot of things happened and unfolded. That's not to be discussed. We're putting that behind us."
But while General Manager Jim Popp added that there's nothing else to say regarding Sam's decision, he admitted that he wouldn't be shocked if he tried to return to the team.
"There's nothing to tell you. He wanted to go home, and that's what he did. I don't know why. When a guy wants to go home, they go home. He had some personal things to take care of," he told the Montreal Gazette. "I wouldn't be surprised if he returns. I'm surprised he left. I was very surprised. If he doesn't come back, I would think football's over for him.
"He's the one that has to face that," he added. "But I don't think he doesn't want to play football. That's why he came here."
Sam played football at the University of Missouri before being drafted in the seventh round by the St. Louis Rams. He then spent a month on the Dallas Cowboys' roster and was also the first openly gay person selected in the NFL Draft.