A controversial Topeka church traveled to Columbia, Missouri to picket Saturday in the aftermath of a Mizzou football player’s announcement that he is gay.

But, as has been the case in many recent protests, the picketers were outnumbered by counter-protesters from the school, many of them wearing “Stand With Sam” pins, buttons and shirts.

Michael Sam made headlines when he “came out” earlier this week. Sam is a highly touted defensive end for the Missouri Tigers football team.

Local media reports indicate there were hundreds if not thousands of people lining up in support of Mr Sam to form a human wall along South Providence Road.

Inside the arena, Sam received a standing ovation when he appeared on the arena video boards during Missouri’s basketball game against Tennessee on Saturday.

The All-American, who could became the first openly gay player in the NFL, later a blew a kiss to the student section and shook hands with fans.

Sam and the football team were honored at halftime for their Cotton Bowl win over Oklahoma State.