Chad Holbrook comes to defense of choosing college over MLB payday
Brandon McIlwain made a lot of people in South Carolina circles happy on Thursday when he declared he would enroll in school in January.
He will go on scholarship as a quarterback for Will Muschamp. First, McIlwain intends to play this season for Chad Holbrook’s USC baseball team.
“Holy moly!! Great day to be a Gamecock! Spurs are definitely up!!!” Holbrook tweeted, without mentioning McIlwain or his decision directly.
The football and baseball star from Newtown, Pa., will forgo his chance to be a part of June’s Major League Baseball draft, where a projected selection in early rounds would have meant a shot at a hefty signing bonus.
The decision set off a lengthy back-and-forth on Twitter between Holbrook and national baseball writer Keith Law, who suggested McIlwain was turning down a $2 million or more signing bonus.
No way would I let my (hypothetical) son go enrich some university playing such a dangerous sport over pro baseball and an immediate payout
— keithlaw (@keithlaw) December 17, 2015Sign pro baseball contract for $2 million. Play in majors. Sign $100 million extension. Buy your own college.
— keithlaw (@keithlaw) December 17, 2015@keithlaw General perspective, to some families the college experience is priceless and there are current major leaguers that agree.
— Chad Holbrook (@cholbrook2) December 17, 2015“@keithlaw: Any pro player can choose college later - .”Some kids have different ambitions in life. Kudos to them for chasing "their" dream!
— Chad Holbrook (@cholbrook2) December 17, 2015What about players who turned down pro money, went to college, and got less or none after? Doubt they agree. https://t.co/4kGcFJ0JXw
— keithlaw (@keithlaw) December 17, 2015“@keithlaw: Not to mention "early enrollment" is just how college coaches keep players away from MLB money. Afraid" Untrue and outright lie
— Chad Holbrook (@cholbrook2) December 18, 2015“@keithlaw: U make high six figures as head coach.Will u guarantee McIlwain's potential MLB signing bonus". U don't want me to show u the #s
— Chad Holbrook (@cholbrook2) December 18, 2015“@keithlaw:will u guarantee to compensate him for that lost bonus out of your substantial income? Yes or no?” I'll go on any tv show anytime
— Chad Holbrook (@cholbrook2) December 18, 2015So many so called professionals are so damn unprofessional. I'm actually embarrassed I've had dialogue. I'm out.
— Chad Holbrook (@cholbrook2) December 18, 2015This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 11:01 PM.