Arizona State University Player, Edward Sarafin, Comes Out

Arizona State University backup offensive lineman Edward Chip Sarafin has come out publicly as homosexual, making him the first active NCAA football player to do so.

Sarafin revealed he was gay during a recent interview with Compete Magazine, and says he started telling his Sun Devil teammates a few months ago during Spring practice. He says opening up to them "was really personal to me, and it benefitted my peace of mind greatly."

Sarafin is a 5th year senior, but as a backup, he has yet to play in a regular season game.

Arizona State coach Todd Graham is quoted as saying, "We are a brotherhood that is not defined by cultural and personal differences, but rather an individual's commitment to the Sun Devil way."

Arizona State vice president of athletics Ray Anderson echoed Graham's sentiments.

"The entire athletics department is extremely proud of Chip and is unequivocally supportive of him," Anderson said in a statement. "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 set our student-athletes apart and allows our university to maintain an environment of inclusiveness and progression."