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Michael Sam Takes Leave From Canadian Football League "For Personal Reasons"

Michael Sam has taken a leave of absence from the Montreal Alouettes' training camp for what management would only say were "personal reasons."

The Montreal Gazette first reported that Sam hadn't practiced with the Montreal Alouettes since Thursday because of a migraine headache. Then, he apparently left the team on Friday and flew to Texas because of "personal reasons."

"Friday morning, Michael asked the team a special permission to leave training camp and return home for personal reasons," Alouettes management said in a statement.

"With all due respect for Michael Sam, the nature of this decision will remain confidential."

The statement added that the Alouettes "fully respect Michael Sam's decision and rally around him to offer him all time and support needed," saying that Sam is welcome back "whenever he feels ready."

It's not clear if the cause of Sam's departure was a family emergency—he and his father, Michael Alan Sam, are estranged, but he is close to his mother, JoAnn.

Montreal radio host Rick Moffat spotted Sam at Trudeau airport. "Seemed rushed, mind elsewhere when I introduced myself," Moffat tweeted. "Don't think he had enough luggage with him to be bailing or bugging out."

Head coach Sam Higgis was disappointed by Sam's absence on Friday. "This surprises me right now. I thought he would have been out here," Higgins said.

The Alouettes play their first preseason game on Saturday.

h/t: Fox Sports

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