Former NFL coach Tony Dungy had a striking statement on Michael Sam, who became the first openly gay player to be drafted in the league, saying that he would not have selected the former Missouri standout if he was still coaching.

Dungy said in an interview with the Tampa Tribune that if given the choice, he will not draft Sam because of the potential conflict that Sam's sexual orientation might create inside the locker room.

"I wouldn't have taken him," Dungy said. "Not because I don't believe Michael Sam should have a chance to play, but I wouldn't want to deal with all of it. It's not going to be totally smooth ... things will happen."

Dungy's statement against Sam, who was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of this year's draft, came as a surprise to many, including the media, who have been expressing dismay towards the former head coach for his noteworthy opinions.

CBS Sports' Will Brinson blasted Dungy for his comments on Sam, writing that the former Indianapolis Colts head coach should have been the first one to defend Sam after experiencing the feeling of being insulted before.

"This is a disappointing stance from the first African-American coach to win a Super Bowl who dealt with racially-based backlash for he and his family at times. Dungy literally wrote (the foreword of) the book pushing for 'Equal Coaching Opportunity in the NFL.' There are many reasons for not drafting a player. But hearing 'things will happen' from a pioneer of the NFL is a shame," Brinson wrote.

GLAAD (the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) President and CEO Kate Ellis told the Washington Post that Dungy's comment showed "how far out of touch" the 58-year-old football icon has fallen.

Dungy's comment was out of line considering the fact that he once took Michael Vick under his wing after the embattled quarterback spent 18 months in prison for his role in dog-fighting activities.

Dungy also offered kind words to Sam when the former Missouri defensive specialist admitted that he was gay before the NFL Draft in May.

"The NFL has always been based on merit, and I think that will continue to be the case with Michael Sam and the issue of homosexuality or anything else. Guys who produce and play well will be welcomed into the league," Dungy said in an NBC interview via Yahoo Sports.

Sam was recently honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2014 ESPYs where he had an emotional speech. See below:

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