Arizona State is home to Edward “Chip†Sarafin, and after coming out to his teammates and coach several months ago, Sarafin announced yesterday that he is gay.
In an exclusive interview with Compete Magazine, Chip Sarafin came out as gay.
“Arizona Sun Devil’s outside linebacker #37 weighs over 300 pounds and holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering,” Compete’s Joshua Wyrick reports. “He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the same field while preparing for his MCAT exam, and participates in many off-field community outreach activities. Oh, and he’s gay.”
Sarafin says coming out to his team was a huge benefit.
“It was really personal for me, and it benefited my peace of mind greatly,†he says.
Sarafin also notes that Michael Sam was the “impetus” for him to come out, and Sam generously tweeted his support last night.
Congratulations Chip Sarafin for having the courage to be yourself. Wishing you and your teammates much success this season. #courage2014
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) August 13, 2014
Buzzfeed notes that “Sarafin is a walk-on player, meaning he’s not on scholarship. If he plays a game this year, he would be the first active gay football player to tell his story to the public. Last year, he was on the team as a reserve player.”
Here’s a clip from the Compete interview:
Arizona State issued statements of support upon the news breaking yesterday.
“The entire athletics department is extremely proud of Chip and is unequivocally supportive of him,” Vice President of University Athletics Ray Anderson said. “His undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering, his pursuit of a master’s in the same field, his research involving football-related concussions, and his heavy involvement in the community with both youth sports in Arizona and the Tillman Scholars embodies all the characteristics that sets our student-athletes apart and allows our university to maintain an environment of inclusiveness and progression.â€
“We are a brotherhood that is not defined by cultural and personal differences, but rather an individual’s commitment to the Sun Devil Way,” head coach Todd Graham said. “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.”
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All photos via Facebook