Missouri football player Michael Sam, the SEC's defensive player of the year and an NFL draft prospect, revealed yesterday that he is gay. While NFL insiders think the news will sink his draft stock, the owners of the Giants issued very classy statements.

John Mara, the president of the Giants and co-owner, said, "I would just echo what the league and Zak DeOssie, one of our captains, have said in welcoming Michael into our league and supporting him as he attempts to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL. Our sport, our game, is the ultimate meritocracy. You earn your way with your ability. As Patrick Burke and Wade Davis constantly remind all of us, regardless of who you are, what your background is and what your personal or sexual orientation is, if you can play, you can play. Michael’s announcement will not affect his position on our draft board."

And co-owner Steve Tisch said, "As I said last night, Michael Sam is a gifted athlete and a courageous man. I hope any NFL team would not hesitate to draft Michael if he is right for their team. Our game is the ultimate team game, and we often talk about how a team is a family. Regardless of where you are from, what your religious beliefs are, what your sexual orientation is, if you are good enough to be on the team, you are part of the family. How the University of Missouri and its football program embraced and supported Michael is a tremendous blueprint for all of us, but frankly, I think the lessons of our game also provide the same positive example."

Jets owner Woody Johnson hasn't made a statement, but Jets defensive tackle Damian Harrison had these words: