Michael Sam's CFL career took an unexpected turn on Friday when he left Canada due to "personal reasons."
Sam's CFL team, the Montreal Alouettes, explained the situation in a statement.
"Friday morning, Michael asked the team for special permission to leave training camp and return home for personal reasons. Out of respect for Michael Sam, the nature of this decision will remain confidential," the statement said. "The Montreal Alouettes fully respect Michael Sam's decision and we rally around him to offer all the support needed."
The Alouettes also added that Sam would be welcomed back if he chooses to return.
"The team has left the door open and Michael is welcome to come back whenever he feels ready. The organization will have no further comment on this matter at this time."
Although Sam left the team "personal reasons," there are still some unanswered questions about Sam's departure.
For instance, it's not clear when he told the team he was leaving.
During Friday's practice, Alouettes coach Tom Higgins was asked about Sam's absence and he seemed as shocked as anyone that Sam didn't show up.
"This surprises me right now," Higgins told the Montreal Gazette. "I thought he would have been out here."
It wasn't clear where Sam was until a radio announcer spotted him at the Montreal airport.
Just bumped into him at Trudeau @HerbZurkowsky1, headed home for personal reasons. Only small Cotton Bowl bag with him. #CFL #Alouettes
— Rick Moffat (@RickMoffat) June 12, 2015
Sam also missed practice on Thursday for reasons that were unclear at first. However, Sam's agent, Joe Barkett, eventually sent a text to the Gazette explaining that Sam missed practice because of a migraine headache.
With Sam trying to prove he can make it in professional football, his absences come at a precarious time.
The first openly gay player ever taken in the NFL Draft is leaving Montreal just one day before the Alouettes are set to play their first preseason game on Saturday.
Sam has only been with the Alouettes for three weeks, after originally signing with the team on May 22.
