Paula Deen Knows How ‘That Black Football Player’ Michael Sam Feels

Because, you know, injustice.

By Jamilah King Feb 27, 2014

Paula Deen is speaking publicly again, which can only mean trouble. This time the celebrity chef sat down for an interview with People to talk about her long road to rehabilitation after being outed as a good, ole’ Southern racist. She says that she knows how "the black football player" (out and proud Michael Sam) feels because, you know, injustice:

"I feel like ’embattled’ or ‘disgraced’ will always follow my name. It’s like that black football player who recently came out," Deen told People Magazine in an interview. "He said, ‘I just want to be known as a football player. I don’t want to be known as a gay football player.’ I know exactly what he’s saying."

Deen lost her show with the Food Network, along with several other endorsement deals, when she admitted to withholding wages from black workers, using the n-word, and dreaming up slavery-themed dinner parties. 

(h/t Talking Points Memo)