Arizona State's Edward 'Chip' Sarafin announces he is gay
By Tom Fornelli | College Football Writer
August 13, 2014 5:47 pm ET
Arizona State offensive lineman Edward "Chip" Sarafin is following in the footsteps of former Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam.
In an interview with Compete (a regional magazine in Phoenix), Sarafin came out to the world about his homosexuality. In the story Sarafin says he came out to his teammates last spring, and wouldn't you know it, the world hasn't come to an end.
"We are a brotherhood that is not defined by cultural and personal differences, but rather an individual's commitment to the Sun Devil Way," said Arizona State coach Todd Graham in a statement. "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 his has full support from his teammates and the coaching staff."
Sarafin is the first active college football player at a Division I college football program to go public with his homosexuality. Michael Sam informed his teammates of his homosexuality while still playing at Missouri, but did not come out publicly until after the 2013 season had ended, and before the NFL Draft.
Odds are Sarafin won't be the last active player to come out, and hopefully, one day, a gay college football player won't be something that qualifies as news, but just a normal, every day fact of life.
By Tom Fornelli | College Football Writer
August 13, 2014 5:47 pm ET
Arizona State offensive lineman Edward "Chip" Sarafin is following in the footsteps of former Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam.
In an interview with Compete (a regional magazine in Phoenix), Sarafin came out to the world about his homosexuality. In the story Sarafin says he came out to his teammates last spring, and wouldn't you know it, the world hasn't come to an end.
"We are a brotherhood that is not defined by cultural and personal differences, but rather an individual's commitment to the Sun Devil Way," said Arizona State coach Todd Graham in a statement. "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 his has full support from his teammates and the coaching staff."
Sarafin is the first active college football player at a Division I college football program to go public with his homosexuality. Michael Sam informed his teammates of his homosexuality while still playing at Missouri, but did not come out publicly until after the 2013 season had ended, and before the NFL Draft.
Odds are Sarafin won't be the last active player to come out, and hopefully, one day, a gay college football player won't be something that qualifies as news, but just a normal, every day fact of life.
