New York Giants owner John Mara has released a statement welcoming gay football player Michael Sam into the NFL.
Draft prospect Sam came out earlier this week, and has received much support from around the league ever since.
Now, Mara has become the latest to insist that his team will not have Sam's sexuality in mind if the option of drafting him occurs.
He told Giants.com: "I would like to welcome Michael into our league and we offer our support to him as he attempts to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL. Our sport, our game, is the ultimate meritocracy.
"Here, 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."
Sam is expected to be a chosen between the third and fifth rounds when the NFL Draft takes place in May.
Despite Mara's stance, one of his players - Terrell Thomas - has claimed that he is "unsure" as to whether the league's locker rooms are ready for a homosexual football player.
Joe McPhee
