Michael Sam expecting "negative reactions"

Missouri Tigers defensive end Michael Sam has admitted that he is expecting some "negative reactions" after announcing that he is gay.

Sam is expected to become the first openly gay player in NFL history when the 2014 Draft takes place in May, with many experts predicting that he will be chosen as a mid-round pick.

"There will be negativity, negative reactions. I expect that," Sam told ESPN.

"Everyone can say hurtful things and hateful things; I don't let stuff like that distract me. But there are going to be positives. The positives will outweigh the negative."

Meanwhile, the NFL have expressed their support for Sam following his historic announcement.