Sun Devils Sarafin Comes Out: Just How Big A Deal Is This Now...???

((HT: AZCentral.com/Haller))

Chip Sarafin has been a part of the Arizona State football program for the last four seasons as a non-scholarship offensive lineman. And in an article released today in Tempe, Arizona-based Compete magazine Sarafin told writer Joshua Wyrick that he is gay.

Serafin told Wyrick that he started telling his teammates that he's gay back in the spring. The news became public with the release of the magazine on Wednesday.

According to the article, there has been no issue with Sarafin and is Sun Devil teammates since his announcement and it is thought that he is the first-ever Division I football player to announce he is gay during his activity on campus.

Here's the first look from Dan Bickley:
((HT: KPNX-TV))
ASU head coach Todd Graham released a 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 teammates and the coaching staff." Vice President for Athletics Ray Anderson said Sarafin has ASU's support: "The entire athletics department is extremely proud of Chip and is unequivocally supportive of him. 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."
And the larger question is: Is this THAT big a deal in its progressive behavior...???

The HQ lauds Sarafin and the stance of ASU at present and we hope it continues...