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Arizona State Lineman Chip Sarafin Announces He’s Gay

Fifth-year senior becomes first active NCAA football player to come out publicly.

Michael Sam chose to come out in February after his collegiate football career at the University of Missouri was finished.

On Wednesday, news broke that Arizona State University backup offensive lineman Edward "Chip" Sarafin has announced that he is gay, making him the first active NCAA football player to publicly come out.

He revealed the news during a recent interview with Compete Magazine, but his coming out was also picked up by bigger outlets like TMZ Sports.

Sarafin, a fifth-year senior who has never played in a regular season game, told Compete that opening up to his Sun Devil teammates a few months back "was really personal to me, and it benefited my peace of mind greatly."

Sun Devils coach Todd Graham told TMZ Sports: "We are a brotherhood that is not defined by cultural and personal differences, but rather an individual's commitment to the Sun Devil way."

Sam sent a message of support to Sarafin via Twitter.

"Congratulations Chip Sarafin for having the courage to be yourself. Wishing you and your teammates much success this season. #courage2014"

While Sarafin is preparing for his final season at Arizona State, Sam is still busy trying to crack a roster spot on the St. Louis Rams. Sam played well in the Rams’ 26-24 preseason game loss to the New Orleans Saints on August 8. The 2013 SEC Defensive Player of the Year was tabbed by the Rams as the 249th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. 

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