Chip Sarafin yesterday came out as gay publicly and the news was quite rightly well received by the sporting world.
The Arizona State offensive lineman told Compete Magazine – a publication for gay sports – at the end of an interview which looked at his educational studies and goal of becoming a neurologist.
He came out to his Arizona team-mates last year.
Sarafin has yet to appear in a game for the Sun Devils but if he did he would become the first player on a major college football to come out as gay while still in school.
The revelation follows a number of US sportsmen who have opened up on their homosexuality.
Michael Sam told the world before the NFL Draft this year and was still picked by the St. Louis Rams in the off-season.
Sam had this to say on Sarafin:
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
US football player Robbie Rogers also told the media he was gay before retiring and then returning to the game with LA Galaxy.
Following the news, Arizona State coach Todd Graham issued this statement:
“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 team-mates and the coaching staff.”
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