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Obamas congratulate Michael Sam on decision to announce he is gay

U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama attend the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton on February 6, 2014 in Washington, DC. (UPI/Olivier Douliery)
U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama attend the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton on February 6, 2014 in Washington, DC. (UPI/Olivier Douliery) | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Missouri University football player Michael Sam's decision to announce he is gay drew tweets of support from President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

"You're an inspiration to all of us, @MikeSamFootball. We couldn't be prouder of your courage both on and off the field," Michelle Obama posted Monday on her Twitter page.

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"Congratulations on leading the way, @MikeSamFootball. That's real sportsmanship," Obama posted.

During a media briefing, White House press secretary Jay Carney said Obama shares the sentiments expressed by the first lady, Vice President Joe Biden and others "in marveling at his [Sam] courage and congratulating him on the decisions he's made, on the support he's had from his team and wishing him well in the future, including in professional football."

Sam, the Tigers' All-American defensive lineman and likely NFL draft pick, announced he is gay Sunday during an interview with ESPN. Should he be drafted and make an NFL squad, he would become the first openly gay player in the league.

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