Kent State wrestler Sam Wheeler suspended for homophobic tweets about Michael Sam

It was refreshing to see most NFL players who voiced an opinion on Michael Sam coming out as a gay man having nothing but positive things to say. But one would have to be a fool to say that the reaction was across the board positive among the public and even in "fraternity of athletes."

Sam, the SEC co-defensive player of the year and mid to late round NFL draft prospect, made the announcement over the weekend, creating the expected firestorm of controversy.

One athlete who will have to suffer the consequences for his ignorant reaction to the news is Kent State wrestler Sam Wheeler. Wheeler sent out the following tweets in the wake of Sam's announcement (image captured via Outrage DC prior to Wheeler deleting his twitter account):

Wheeler has been suspended indefinitely for his actions, something covered in statements released by the University and his coach:

"We are aware of the insensitive tweets by one of our student athletes," Joel Nielsen, director of athletics, said in a statement released by the school. "On behalf of Kent State University, we consider these comments to be ignorant and not indicative of the beliefs held by our university community as a whole. This is an educational opportunity for all of our student-athletes."

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Wheeler’s wrestling coach Jim Andrassy also issued a statement Monday evening through the university.

"As an alum of Kent State University and as Sam’s head coach, I was surprised and offended by what I read on Twitter," Andrassy said. "I have spoken to Sam personally, and while he is remorseful, he will be suspended indefinitely while we determine the best course of action moving forward."

Wheeler, a redshirt sophomore, had compiled a record of 26-5 this season at 184 and is a former high school first-team all-Ohio linebacker in football and won a Division 1 state title at 189 pounds his senior year.