Cowboys Release Michael Sam From The Practice Squad

The cutting of a practice squad player usually isn't news, but in this case it is. The Dallas Cowboys released Michael Sam from their practice squad today. Sam's sexuality was supposedly going to be a big distraction for the Cowboys, at least that's what we were told. It turned out to be nothing of the sort. Just another player who didn't have the skill to break onto the roster, and with the Cowboys getting defensive linemen back from injury and suspension soon, they needed the practice roster spot.

Jason Garrett praised Sam's work ethic last week.

"Comes to work every day and practices hard," Garrett said last week. "One of 10 practice roster guys that we have, so he's working on his skills, trying to develop, but also doing a lot of other things. Playing offense, defense, playing the kicking game, that's what a lot of those guys do."

Sam thanked the Cowboys on Twitter.

I want to thank the Jones family and the entire Cowboys organization for this opportunity, as well as my friends, family, teammates, (1/3)

— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) October 21, 2014

and fans for their support. While this is disappointing, I will take the lessons I learned here in Dallas and continue to fight for an (2/3)

— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) October 21, 2014

opportunity to prove that I can play every Sunday. (3/3)

— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) October 21, 2014

Dallas used the spot on linebacker Troy Davis. This is Davis' second year in the NFL, he played collegiately at Central Florida and spent time with the Jets.