Arizona State offensive lineman Chip Sarafin comes out as gay
Edward "Chip" Sarafin, a backup offensive lineman for Arizona State, has come out publicly as gay. According to Outsports, Sarafin is the only known publicly gay player in major college football.
Sarafin revealed to Compete, a Phoenix magazine, that he is gay. He came out to the team last spring. He said of the experience, "It was really personal for me and it benefited my peace of mind greatly."
Arizona State head coach Todd Graham released a statement on Sarafin's coming out:
"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. Diversity and acceptance are two of the pillars of our program, and he has full support from his teammates and the coaching staff."
Michael Sam came out to his Missouri teammates last year while he was still playing, but he did not tell his story to the media until after he had left college. Connor Mertens, a kicker at Willamette University in Oregon, came out as bisexual in January.
More: Michael Sam after NFL debut: 'I can play in this league'
Sarafin is a fifth-year senior and a bio-medical engineering major.
- Alex Hampl
