Edward "Chip" Safarin, offensive lineman for Arizona State, came out as gay on Wednesday.
The senior revealed his sexual orientation in an interview with Compete, a Phoenix, Arizona-based magazine for gay sports, according to USA Today. The news was later confirmed by the school's athletic department.
Last spring, Safarin decided to tell his teammates first.
"It was really personal for me, and it benefited my peace of mind greatly," he said.
The same approach was used by Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam, another player who has come out as gay, ESPN reported.
Safarin's decision to come out also puts him as the first current Division I college football player to announce publicly that he is gay.
"We are a brotherhood that is not defined by cultural and personal differences, but rather an individual's commitment to the Sun Devil Way," ASU 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."
Praise for Safarin's decision was also given by Ray Anderson, vice president of athletics at Arizona State, who said the football player has support from the entire athletics department, USA Today reported.
"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," Anderson said.
