Morris makes official statement: Staying at Stanford

Earlier today, there was a report that Jordan Morris had rejected an offer from the Sounders made this offseason. Now, Morris has released an official statement making clear his intention to stay at Stanford University for his Junior year.

Morris, via Stanford:

After much thought and discussion with my family and coaches, I have decided to continue my education at Stanford and will return to The Farm for my junior year. My teammates, coaches, professors and peers make Stanford a special place. Here I am provided the unique opportunity to both play the game I love and learn at one of the world’s great universities.

Playing professionally is a dream of mine and I feel that Stanford will prepare me extremely well to realize that goal, but also for life after soccer. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to represent this university both on and off the field and look forward to working with my teammates to make our 2015 season a success.

It's unclear whether or not the opportunity for a top-class education is the only, or even the most important element in Morris' decision. The earlier story published by American Soccer Now implied that there was a dollar figure which wasn't being met.

Despite the statement, a new deal could be struck between now and Stanford's upcoming college season.