Seattle Sounders FC conducted a buy out of O'Brian White's contract. White started the 2011 season with strong performances, but then suffered from a blood clot in his leg and he missed the remainder of the season. With recovery for White unknown Seattle chose to buy the contract out. He will not count on the roster limit or the salary cap, although the team had already been moving forward under this assumption so there's no new room or money.
"Unfortunately, because of his medical situation, we have reached an agreement to buy out O'Brian White's contract," said Owner and General Manager Adrian Hanauer in a press release today. "We will fully support O'Brian and will continue to help him rehabilitate with the hope he can resume his playing career."
Fans can now channel all White related energy towards his return to playing health without any concern for it's impact on the Sounders roster. When, or if, O'Brian White can resume his career, his contractual situation will be handled per MLS rules. At this time though, the club and his focus is on his health.