Michael Sam had a little extra help on defense this weekend.
One week after Sam publicly came out as gay, the all-American defensive player from Missouri was honored during an NCAA college-basketball game Saturday between Missouri and Tennessee. But not everyone is a fan.
The Westboro Baptist Church, a Kansas-based religious group known for picketing events, showed up outside the stadium to protest Sam. In response, hundreds of students from Mizzou gathered outside the stadium to support him.
[img src="http://admin.mashable.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/michael-sam-640x350.jpg" caption="Some students wore "Stand With Sam" pins." credit="" alt="michael sam"]
Thousands of Tigers lined up along Stadium Blvd. to #StandWithSam today: http://t.co/4a4OtsT73i #OneMizzou pic.twitter.com/eYu5Xl1tNk— Mizzou (@Mizzou) February 15, 2014
There were far more students supporting Sam than protesters against him:
Passed Westboro Baptist Church at Mizzou today. These people deserve to burn in hell. pic.twitter.com/QmR3j5eWkb— Abby Danielson (@abby_danielson) February 15, 2014
Westborough Baptist Church protesters rally in Columbia against football player Michael Sam.#krcg13 pic.twitter.com/eMZOjtnRjg— Mark Slavit (@MarkSlavit) February 15, 2014
In a tweet, Sam expressed his appreciation for their support:
Thank you for all of my Mizzou family for your support. Divided we are weak, Together we are Strong. #OneMizzou pic.twitter.com/SMAPZHk2hX— Michael Sam (@MikeSamFootball) February 16, 2014