Former Ole Miss Rebels shooting guard Marshall Henderson has claimed that he is boycotting ESPN after the broadcaster showed openly gay NFL player Michael Sam kissing his partner after being drafted.

Sam became the first openly gay player in the NFL when he was selected by the St Louis Rams in the seventh round of the Draft on Saturday.

Henderson reacted angrily after seeing the 24-year-old embrace his boyfriend live on television in an apparent homophobic outburst on Twitter.

He wrote: "Boycotting sportscenter til this michael sam nasty ass s**t is off. My brothers are 7 and 11 and saw that!!! #SICKENING."

However, Henderson has since claimed that this statement was to help his gay friend, who is a psychology student, gain information to help him with his studies.

He added: "One of my best friends, WHO IS GAY, is about to graduate in psychology, asked me to say these things so he can have responses.

"The point of his study was to see how people react when others say things or act a certain way against another group of people.

"Sorry for messing with everyone like that!!! Everyone really helped my boy and for that we are extremely appreciative!!!"

Miami Dolphins defensive back Don Jones has been reprimanded by the club for comments made about the event on Saturday.