The logistics of Sam coming out were coordinated by Howard Bragman, a public relations expert who is vice chairman of Reputation.com, which helps clients manage their online images.
Bragman has been ushering celebrities out of the closet since 1991, when he helped actor Dick Sargent of the TV series "Bewitched." The first gay athlete he worked with was Esera Tuaolo,Jerseys NFL China, who came out in 2002 after nine years as a defensive tackle in the NFL. Other clients included golfer Rosie Jones in 2004 and pro basketball star Sheryl Swoopes in 2005.