Openly gay player may have to wait

Sam's hopes of joining NFL team could come down to free agency

University of Missouri standout Michael Sam, who appeared to be poised to become the NFL's first openly gay player, may face an uphill climb to fulfill his dream as NFL analysts say he may not be drafted this week.

The pass-rushing defensive lineman, who publicly disclosed in February he is gay, was the Southeastern Conference's Defensive Player of the Year after leading it in sacks and was projected to be a middle-round selection in the NFL Draft.