Four days after quarterback Demond Williams Jr. signed a multimillion-dollar contract with the University of Washington, he has announced he has entered the transfer portal.
However, after the news broke, Williams announced on Instagram that he would, in fact, be staying at the University of Washington.
advertise
“After careful consideration with my family, I am pleased to announce that I will continue my football journey at the University of Washington. I am extremely grateful to my coaches, teammates and everyone in the program for creating an environment where I can flourish as an athlete and as a person. I am fully committed and focused on contributing to what we are building.”
Williams also apologized in his post for the timing of the news.
He faced backlash for announcing the news during a celebration of UW athlete Mia Hamant’s lifetime service. Hamant passed away after battling a rare form of cancer.
advertise
Head coach Jed Fish said in a statement:
“Over the past few days, Demond and I have had very honest and genuine conversations about his present and future. We both agree that UW is the best place for him to continue his academic, athletic and social development.
“I appreciate Demond’s statement. I support him and we will work together to begin the process of repairing relationships and regaining the trust of the Husky community.”
Pat Chun, director of athletics at the University of Washington, said in a statement:
“The past 48 hours have highlighted just how complex and challenging the current college athletics environment has become. What happened has been difficult for all parties involved and is emblematic of many of the current issues in college athletics.
advertise
“In this post-House, revenue-sharing environment, it is critical that contracts with student-athletes are not only enforced, but respected by everyone in the college athletics ecosystem. I would like to thank UW President Robert J. Jones, the UW Board of Trustees, and Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti for their leadership and guidance. We will continue to support Demond as he continues his academic and athletic career at UW.”