Arizona State senior offensive lineman Edward ‘Chip’ Sarafin announced today in an interview with Compete Magazine that he is gay.
That’s it. He told his teammates last spring, but he decided to come out publicly before his final season in Tempe, Arizona.
“It was really personal for me and it benefited my peace of mind greatly,” Sarafin said to the magazine about coming out.
His coach, Todd Graham, had this to say.
We are a brotherhood that is not defined by cultural and personal differences, but rather an individual’s commitment to the Sun Devil Way. Chip is a fifth-year senior and a Scholar Baller, a graduate and a master’s student. His commitment to service is unmatched and it is clear he is on his way to leading a successful life after his playing career, a goal that I have for every student-athlete.
We couldn’t agree more. Sarafin will be the first gay athlete to compete in Division I football.
[H/T Huffington Post; Image via TheSunDevils.com]