Note: From another forum
So Mike Arvilla entered a Florida BB show and paid $300 in fees for the privilege of stepping on stage in one of Jay Cutler's old posing trunks (for LUCK, really!) and then Mike had to pull out of the show.
Now for us Millionaires, $300 is like dropping a penny on the ground, but for the other 99% $300 is a lot of dough.
Instead of making a big public deal about it, Mike -- who is taking care of his sick mother and could really use the money to spend on groceries, rent, etc. -- asks the show promoter if he can get a refund or credit or anything to ensure that his exorbitant entry fee doesn't go to waste.
Crickets.
Now let's take an objective look at this. Mike was ONE competitor out of more than 100. His entry fee wasn't used to purchase additional security or cause the promoter to undertake additional expense in any way. And in fact, Mike's withdrawal from the show SAVED the promoter time (these events run way too long anyway) and labor (saving the sound guy from playing yet another 1988 Def Leppard Hysteria track).
But Mike's reasonable request for a refund of some or all of his $300 fell on deaf ears.
Why couldn't they give him his money back? Mike asked.
And here's my answer: Because these are BODYBUILDERS we are dealing with. You put $300 in a Bodybuilder's pocket and now you honestly expect him to just GIVE IT BACK?? Bodybuilders NEVER take money from their pockets unless they're getting something in return. Of course the RIGHT THING to do is to give Mike a partial refund or credit towards future entry fees, but when has ANYONE in the bodybuilding industry EVER done ANYTHING that's right?
Bottom Line: The local promoter and Florida NPC Chairman Peter Potter told Mike to fuck off. Why? Simply because they CAN. That's how they treat a loyal 10-year NPC member (who's never received a copy of NPC News BTW) who has pumped more than $2000 in entry fees into their coffers over the years.
Ed's Take: C'mon Peter Potter and nameless local promoter, give Mike his $300 back. You spent nothing on Mike and he really needs the money. Stop thinking like a bodybuilder: Because sometimes NOT BEING A BODYBUILDER MEANS DOING THE RIGHT THING.
