Fanclubs » He has also been finding work on special teams. "Its ever

SAUCIER, Miss. -- Billy Andrade hasnt played much competitive golf over the past four years. It was hard to tell on Saturday. The 50-year-old Andrade had the low round of the day, firing a 7-under 65 to jump into a tie for the lead with Fred Funk after the second round of the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic at Fallen Oak. Andrade made nine birdies on Saturday, including a stretch of six over seven holes midway through the round. The exclamation point came on the final hole, when he drained a 20-foot putt for birdie. Its the second time in less than a year that Andrade has been in contention to win a tournament in the Magnolia State. He finished fifth at the Sanderson Farms Classic in Madison, Miss., last summer, which was easily his best finish in three starts on the PGA Tour last year. "I have no idea what it is about Mississippi," Andrade said laughing. "But right now, I absolutely love it." Andrade is playing in just his fourth Champions Tour event. His best finish was eighth place at the ACE Group Classic in February. Fred Couples started the day with a two-stroke lead, but fell into a tie for second place after shooting a 71. Jay Haas and Jeff Maggert both had 69 to join Couples one stroke behind the leaders. Andrade has been mostly on the sidelines the past four years, working part time as an analyst for the Golf Channel. Hes started just eight tournaments on the PGA Tour since 2010 and said its been nice to play several events in a row on the Champions Tour since he turned 50 to regain some consistency. "It was kind of a swirly, windy day," Andrade said. "We didnt know if the wind was helping us or hurting us on some holes. But I got off to a nice start with a birdie on the first hole and then got into a nice rhythm." Andrade and Funk are at 8-under 136 for the tournament. Funk shot a 67 on Saturday. "I like coming here because its a pretty difficult golf course and I like hard golf courses," Funk said. "When youre playing well, you try to get a little separation, although were not too separated on the board right now." There are 11 players within three shots of the lead. Couples had a good start on Saturday, going 2-under through his first six holes. But he had 11 pars and a bogey the rest of the way to finish at 71, which snapped his streak of 12 straight rounds on the Champions Tour in the 60s. The streak was one shy of Hale Irwins record set in 1999. "It was just a little sloppy," Couples said. "I didnt make a birdie on the back nine, so thats a lot of holes without making a birdie." David Frost was disqualified Saturday after removing a stone in a bunker on Friday, which should have resulted in a two-stroke penalty. A Champions Tour official said Frost self-reported the violation after Saturdays round. Frost was tied for sixth place at 6-under before his disqualification. Because of expected rain, the tee times have been moved earlier for Sundays final round. 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They claim only three are delayed, with the other three being handed over after the expected date only because of problems accommodating the schedule of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, who wants to be present for the ceremonies. BEREA, Ohio -- Michael Sam was laughing with teammates as they conducted a running-back drill for kids, each youngster stiff-arming and juking his way to a touchdown celebration dance in a makeshift end zone. Sam didnt stand out. He was just another rookie, simply one of the guys. The NFLs first openly gay active player, Sams first months in the league have gone just as he would have hoped. "Its very positive, its very fun," Sam said. "Im excited to be playing for the Rams, Im excited to be in the NFL." Sam was in town with the other NFC rookies, who took part in a PLAY 60 youth football clinic with local children at the Browns training complex, part of the leagues four-day rookie symposium. The AFC rookies will begin their symposium on Wednesday. The full orientation for the players includes presentations, workshops and speakers covering a broad range of topics that fit under four core teaching principles: NFL History, Total Wellness, Professional Experience and, yes, Workplace Conduct. But workplace conduct -- that is, experiencing workplace respect and maintaining positive relationships, two main outlined elements of the symposium -- hasnt been a problem for Sam. Not with his teammates and not among the other rookies. Its obvious he has the respect of those around him. "You dont see anyone not talking to him or against him," said guard Greg Robinson, Sams teammate in St. Louis and the second overall pick in Aprils draft. "They look at him as a football player." That doesnt mean Sam has to shy away from who he is, though. In a group meeting during the symposium, he was able to share some thoughts on his own life with teammates and rookies from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "Just know someones story before you judge them. Thats pretty much what it comes down to," said Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans. "Hes a normal guy, just like us.dddddddddddd Just here to play football." Sam is also quickly becoming known for his sense of humour. "The Rams love him," Evans said. "They always joke around with him. He seems like a fun-loving guy." And like any rookie, he is adjusting to the stark contrasts between the college and professional game. Sam was the SECs Co-Defensive Player Of The Year last season and was taken with the 249th overall pick in the seventh round of the draft, but he is working hard to carve out a role on a loaded Rams defensive line, led by ends Chris Long and Robert Quinn, who was second in the NFL in sacks last season. He has also been finding work on special teams. "Its every fast. Everything is full speed," Sam said. "If you make a mistake, it could cost you that win in practice or that win in a game. That one mistake. So youve got to pay attention to details." As for the details that have followed Sam around since he came out to the media in February, they havent mattered to anyone in the league, especially those who have met him. "Hes just another guy in the locker room," Robinson said. "Hes really cool once you get to know him and I feel like he has a great story behind him." That story has resulted in a whirlwind year for Sam, without much time to reflect on the fact that he is finally an NFL player. Its a lifelong goal that made him not unlike every player on the field Tuesday, having fun with kids eager to show off their quick feet or sure hands. "It still hasnt hit me yet, its still like a dream," Sam said. And as he continues to cross through uncharted territory, there is still that one vital, important thing to keep in mind. The thing that truly makes Sams experience a worthwhile success. "They treat me like a rookie," he said. ' ' '