Sam leaves Alouettes camp for personal reasons

Jun 13, 2015 - 1:06 AM Montreal, QC (SportsNetwork.com) - Defensive end Michael Sam has left the training camp of the Montreal Alouettes and has decided to return home.

The Alouettes released a statement Friday that said Sam left the team for "personal reasons" and that "the nature of this decision will remain confidential."

Sam, the first openly gay man to attempt to make an NFL roster, signed a two- year deal with the Alouettes last month.

The announcement of Sam's departure came on the eve of Montreal's exhibition opener against the Ottawa RedBlacks.

"The Montreal Alouettes fully respect Michael Sam's decision and we rally around him to offer all the support needed. The team has left the door open and Michael is welcome to come back whenever he feels ready," the team said.

Sam declared his homosexuality leading into the 2014 NFL Draft Combine. He was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the draft, but failed to make the roster. He later signed as a practice squad player with the Dallas Cowboys, but did not appear on their active roster during the 2014 season.

The SEC Defensive Player of the Year while at Missouri in his senior season, Sam appeared on Dancing with the Stars this past TV season and attempted to impress an NFL team by appearing at the veteran combine earlier this spring.

In four seasons with Missouri, Sam registered a 123 total tackles, of which 36 were for losses, and 21 total sacks. He also notched two interceptions.