Westboro Protests Michael Sam

Westboro showed up at the University of Missouri yesterday because openly gay NFL prospect Michael Sam was attending a basketball game.

Many UM students, donning “Stand with Sam” pins, formed a human wall around Mizzou Arena to block Westboro’s protest, reported KDSK-TV in St. Louis. Nearly 5,000 people said they would attend, though not as many turned out in the 30-degree chill. Inside the arena Saturday, Sam received a standing ovation when he appeared on the video boards during the game. The All-America defensive end who could became the first openly gay player in the NFL, later blew a kiss to the student section and shook hands with fans.