For the first time after publicly coming out as gay, Michael Sam returned to his alma mater Saturday night and received a standing ovation from supporters.
The defensive end returned with the Mizzou Tiger football team to accept the 2014 Cotton Bowl Championship Trophy during halftime of the Mizzou vs. Tennessee basketball game.
#StandWithSam @MikeSamFootball @mizzoufootball
Not only was Sam applauded -- hundreds of students blocked a protest staged by Westboro Baptist Church, an anti-LGBT hate group, according to the Mid-Missouri Traveler.
Shirley Phelps-Roper, a leader at Westboro, was there to personally condemn Sam and his supporters.
But the small protest was overwhelmed by a silent wall of hundreds of students organized on Facebook by Mizzou sophomores Kelaney Lakers and Alix Carruth to "stand with Sam."
Thousands of Tigers lined up along Stadium Blvd. to #StandWithSam today: http://t.co/4a4OtsT73i #OneMizzou
Thank you for all of my Mizzou family for your support. Divided we are weak, Together we are Strong. #OneMizzou
Watch KRCG 13's report:
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Watch Sam's standing ovation:
