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Canadian football's Alouettes suspend defensive end Michael Sam

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Newly signed defensive end Michael Sam smiles as he is introduced to the media by the Montreal Alouettes …

(Reuters) - Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL, was suspended by the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes on Monday after the defensive lineman left the team's training camp last week for unexplained personal reasons.

Sam walked away from the Alouettes on Friday, one day before the team's pre-season opener, a 26-9 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks. By suspending Sam, the team freed up a roster spot and will retain his rights.