Open response to Millard Baker re letter

[Chick]

Open response to Millard Baker:

I don't know who you are, but I know you HAVe nothing to do with the NPC or the IFBB in any capacity (official or otherwise). With that said, there have been no statements made from any official source on the issue at hand concerning Lee Thompson. The Ifbb has been in existence since the 1940's and the NPC since the early 80's. Somehow and by some miracle... We have managed without your infinite wisdom and expertise all these years. We have your contact information if the need for your input should suddenly be warranted. Sincerely.

Bob Cicherillo. IFBBpro, IFBB Athletes Representative

An Open Letter to the International Federation of BodyBuilders Pro Division (IFBB), and the National Physique Committee (NPC), on the Recent Federal Indictment of NPC Texas Chairperson Lee Thompson on Steroid Conspiracy Charges
 
Dear Jim Manion, Scott Lyons, Brad Craig, Miles Nuessle, Chad Nicholls, Jon Lindsay, Steve O'Brien, Jeff Taylor, Darrin Montanari, Jerry Montanari, Todd Howe, Pete Fancher, Peter Potter, Patrick Sporer, Tyrone Felder, Cindy Lee, Greg Wright, Chuck Sanow, Ed Sanders, Ernest Bea, Sandy Riedinger, Luke Tesvich, Dave Follansbee, Rich Siegelman, Will Dabish, Christine Bongiovanni, Don Hollis, Rick Kasten, Steve Karr, John Kemper, Clark Sanchez, James Rockell, Steve Weinberger, Mike Valentino, Rick Bayardi, Eileen Luis, Ron Smith, Gary Udit, Maggie Blanchard, Tres Bennett, Roger McConnell, Lee Thompson, Steve Schmall, Marvin Chappell, Al Modrzejewski:

The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 criminalized the non-medical use of anabolic steroids (AAS) for the purpose of improving muscle strength, body composition and physical appearance. Bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids for physique enhancement have since faced the possibility of arrest and prosecution if caught in possession of steroids even for merely personal use. This has had disastrous effects on gainfully-employed, otherwise law-abiding individuals who have been arrested and prosecuted under federal steroid laws. The stigma and loss of reputation associated with federal drug charges persist even when charges are dismissed or downgraded.

The use of anabolic steroids in competitive bodybuilding is, by all accounts, widespread and pervasive. Not surprisingly, numerous individuals associated with the network of competitive bodybuilding, including IFBB/NPC competitors, have been entered into the criminal justice system due to their alleged involvement with AAS. The IFBB/NPC has been conspicuously silent on the increasing number of bodybuilders, personal trainers, and gym owners specifically targeted by overzealous prosecutors.

The recent arrest and indictment of NPC Texas Chairperson Lee Thompson on federal anabolic steroid conspiracy charges presented an opportunity for the IFBB/NPC to publicly criticize existing steroid laws and the application of those laws in a modern-day witch-hunt. Regrettably, IFBB/NPC official(s) instead may have attempted to cover up and suppress the information. When the attempted deception was embarrassingly exposed, matters were made worse when the public disclosure of the truth was maligned. The IFBB/NPC failed to recognize that the real enemy is NOT the disclosure of the truth BUT the flawed anabolic steroid law enforcement policy that unfairly affects those involved.

The IFBB/NPC leadership has gone to great lengths to maintain the illusion that anabolic steroids are not an issue in competitive bodybuilding. Discussion of the existence of AAS in the IFBB/NPC is strictly prohibited. Any connection between competitors’ steroid-related legal problems and IFBB/NPC sanctioned contests is not permitted. The IFBB/NPC has even revoked press credentials for writer(s) who have violated these unwritten rules.
It is time for the IFBB/NPC to embrace honesty and confront the reality of steroid use in the IFBB/NPC. The IFBB/NPC should openly address the steroid witch-hunt that has affected many IFBB/NPC competitors (and at least one top IFBB/NPC official). The IFBB/NPC needs to speak out against the mainstream steroid hysteria and the war on steroids that have demonized and criminalized the use of AAS for bodybuilding and physique enhancement.

Hopefully, the IFBB/NPC will act, not only to protect its own, but to also protect the legal and physical well-being of the hundreds of athletes who participate in IFBB/NPC sanctioned contests. Such an agenda would include steroid law reform and steroid harm reduction. Competent and forward-thinking leadership is required to transform the perception of the IFBB/NPC from an organization that hypocritically and distrustfully addresses the AAS issue to one that candidly and credibly addresses AAS use.

Respectfully yours,

Millard Baker

Founder, MESO-Rx

[ironneck]

chick

[spinnis]

Typical Goatboy...another day, another 40+ posts on Getbig

Posts:     20352 (14.568 per day)

 

[Chick]

Posts:     20352 (14.568 per day)

 

Yep...except thats an average

I just congratulated him on his 20,000th post just 1 1/2 weeks ago, he now has 352 more...wait a minute..my bad...i think it's only 37 posts a day

[spinnis]

Yep...except thats an average

I just congratulated him on his 20,000th post just 1 1/2 weeks ago, he now has 352 more...wait a minute..my bad...i think it's only 37 posts a day

so a "normal" day isn't an average day? because you said normal day and meant he posts 40 on a normal day no?

 

[StickStickly]

Open response to Millard Baker:

I don't know who you are, but I know you HAVe nothing to do with the NPC or the IFBB in any capacity (official or otherwise). With that said, there have been no statements made from any official source on the issue at hand concerning Lee Thompson. The Ifbb has been in existence since the 1940's and the NPC since the early 80's. Somehow and by some miracle... We have managed without your infinite wisdom and expertise all these years. We have your contact information if the need for your input should suddenly be warranted. Sincerely.

Bob Cicherillo. IFBBpro, IFBB Athletes Representative








An Open Letter to the International Federation of BodyBuilders Pro Division (IFBB), and the National Physique Committee (NPC), on the Recent Federal Indictment of NPC Texas Chairperson Lee Thompson on Steroid Conspiracy Charges
 

Dear Jim Manion, Scott Lyons, Brad Craig, Miles Nuessle, Chad Nicholls, Jon Lindsay, Steve O'Brien, Jeff Taylor, Darrin Montanari, Jerry Montanari, Todd Howe, Pete Fancher, Peter Potter, Patrick Sporer, Tyrone Felder, Cindy Lee, Greg Wright, Chuck Sanow, Ed Sanders, Ernest Bea, Sandy Riedinger, Luke Tesvich, Dave Follansbee, Rich Siegelman, Will Dabish, Christine Bongiovanni, Don Hollis, Rick Kasten, Steve Karr, John Kemper, Clark Sanchez, James Rockell, Steve Weinberger, Mike Valentino, Rick Bayardi, Eileen Luis, Ron Smith, Gary Udit, Maggie Blanchard, Tres Bennett, Roger McConnell, Lee Thompson, Steve Schmall, Marvin Chappell, Al Modrzejewski:

 

The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 criminalized the non-medical use of anabolic steroids (AAS) for the purpose of improving muscle strength, body composition and physical appearance. Bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids for physique enhancement have since faced the possibility of arrest and prosecution if caught in possession of steroids even for merely personal use. This has had disastrous effects on gainfully-employed, otherwise law-abiding individuals who have been arrested and prosecuted under federal steroid laws. The stigma and loss of reputation associated with federal drug charges persist even when charges are dismissed or downgraded.

 

The use of anabolic steroids in competitive bodybuilding is, by all accounts, widespread and pervasive. Not surprisingly, numerous individuals associated with the network of competitive bodybuilding, including IFBB/NPC competitors, have been entered into the criminal justice system due to their alleged involvement with AAS. The IFBB/NPC has been conspicuously silent on the increasing number of bodybuilders, personal trainers, and gym owners specifically targeted by overzealous prosecutors.

 

The recent arrest and indictment of NPC Texas Chairperson Lee Thompson on federal anabolic steroid conspiracy charges presented an opportunity for the IFBB/NPC to publicly criticize existing steroid laws and the application of those laws in a modern-day witch-hunt. Regrettably, IFBB/NPC official(s) instead may have attempted to cover up and suppress the information. When the attempted deception was embarrassingly exposed, matters were made worse when the public disclosure of the truth was maligned. The IFBB/NPC failed to recognize that the real enemy is NOT the disclosure of the truth BUT the flawed anabolic steroid law enforcement policy that unfairly affects those involved.

 

The IFBB/NPC leadership has gone to great lengths to maintain the illusion that anabolic steroids are not an issue in competitive bodybuilding. Discussion of the existence of AAS in the IFBB/NPC is strictly prohibited. Any connection between competitors’ steroid-related legal problems and IFBB/NPC sanctioned contests is not permitted. The IFBB/NPC has even revoked press credentials for writer(s) who have violated these unwritten rules.

 

It is time for the IFBB/NPC to embrace honesty and confront the reality of steroid use in the IFBB/NPC. The IFBB/NPC should openly address the steroid witch-hunt that has affected many IFBB/NPC competitors (and at least one top IFBB/NPC official). The IFBB/NPC needs to speak out against the mainstream steroid hysteria and the war on steroids that have demonized and criminalized the use of AAS for bodybuilding and physique enhancement.

 

Hopefully, the IFBB/NPC will act, not only to protect its own, but to also protect the legal and physical well-being of the hundreds of athletes who participate in IFBB/NPC sanctioned contests. Such an agenda would include steroid law reform and steroid harm reduction. Competent and forward-thinking leadership is required to transform the perception of the IFBB/NPC from an organization that hypocritically and distrustfully addresses the AAS issue to one that candidly and credibly addresses AAS use.

 

Respectfully yours,

 

Millard Baker

Founder, MESO-Rx

Epic use of google to look for facts. I bet that letter took you 3 hours to write.

[IronMagazine.com]

Millard Baker writes very factual and well referenced articles, not sure what the point of bob's thread is here? 

[Chick]

so a "normal" day isn't an average day? because you said normal day and meant he posts 40 on a normal day no?

 

I made no mention of normal...read it again

[kyomu]

I am tired of all this.

All the pros and amas are on drugs illigaly and all the people know this truth.

End of thread.

[StickStickly]

illigaly".... whats this mean? 

[Boost]

Bob,

Why not take the high road?

Strive to be the bigger man in a situation like this.

Sure, it's a tall order, but with your credentials I'd say you easily measure up to the challenge

[kyomu]

"illigaly".... whats this mean? 

None of doctors write presription for the purpose of bbing.
Since steroids or gh are for the sick people right?

[Sir Humphrey]

Millard Baker (whoever he is) makes some very good points, Bob. Why do you dismiss him ad hominem without addressing the argument he is making?

[emn1964]

Bob--it's not often that we agree on something.  However, you did the right thing in your letter to the NPC/IFBB.  Well done.

[kmhphoto]

I think Mr Millard would do better to spend his time petitioning his government to stop spending his taxes on the wasteful pursuit of steroid users.
They could make a much larger impact on the health and well being of their citizens if they outlawed tobacco.

[Millard Baker]

Bob--it's not often that we agree on something.  However, you did the right thing in your letter to the NPC/IFBB.  Well done.

You do realize that BOB did NOT write that letter.

He's attacking ME for writing the letter.

[Millard Baker]

I think Mr Millard would do better to spend his time petitioning his government to stop spending his taxes on the wasteful pursuit of steroid users.
They could make a much larger impact on the health and well being of their citizens if they outlawed tobacco.

Which leads me to one of the main points of the letter...

It would make a bigger difference if IFBB/NPC took a stand against the ridiculous/unfair steroid laws.

[Sir Humphrey]

Which leads me to one of the main points of the letter...

It would make a bigger difference if IFBB/NPC took a stand against the ridiculous/unfair steroid laws.

Dear Millard Baker,

Bob will meet you at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas (by the ice machine) to "straighten out" any differences you two might have.

[Millard Baker]

Bob,

Your loyalty to Lee is admirable.

I think if the letter involved anyone else, you likely would have responded more rationally and addressed the points I raised.

[kmhphoto]

Which leads me to one of the main points of the letter...

It would make a bigger difference if IFBB/NPC took a stand against the ridiculous/unfair steroid laws.

The IFBB/NPC should do exactly what the NFL and all the other sporting bodies around the world do. Concentrate on running events and let the governments enforce their laws.

[Millard Baker]

The IFBB/NPC should do exactly what the NFL and all the other sporting bodies around the world do. Concentrate on running events and let the governments enforce their laws.

The problem is that governments create/enforce laws that interfere with private sporting bodies.

The NFL, MLB, etc. has allowed WADA-driven government initiatives to determine how they run their business(es).

I think private sporting bodies should take a stand against government interference.

[LMV]

The IFBB/NPC should do exactly what the NFL and all the other sporting bodies around the world do. Concentrate on running events and let the governments enforce their laws.

Wrong !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From the IFBB Pro Rules:

Rule 6 – Medical

6.1 General:
The Pro League advocates a clean, healthy and fit lifestyle, with regular exercise
and proper nutrition. The Pro League encourages its members to engage in
health-promoting activities and not to engage in practices which may endanger


6.3 Medical Committee:
The Medical Committee has authority over medical issues, to include drug
testing matters. The committee will assist its Members with any questions they
may have regarding issues of a medical or drug testing nature. The Pro League
regularly provides relevant information on health, nutrition, training and doping
control.

Rule 8 – Drug Testing

8.1 Policy Statement:
Sport involves physical health and fitness, mental application and dedication to
training. Doping – the use of prohibited substances and/or prohibited methods –
to artificially enhance performance is unethical, contrary to the concept of fair
play, undermines the values of sport, and can endanger the health of the athletes.
8.2 Power and Authority:
As a condition of membership and competition in the Pro League, all Athletes
agree that the Pro League has power and authority to conduct in-competition
and/or out-of-competition drug testing.
their health.

Rule 9 – Discipline

9.1 General:
Athletes, Judges, and Officials join the Pro League of their own free will and, in
so doing, agree to abide by the Pro Rules.

9.10 Code of Ethics:
Disciplinary action may be taken against any Member who contravenes the Code
of Ethics, which forms an integral part of the Pro Rules.

CODE OF ETHICS

Athletes:

1. To fulfill our responsibility to society, to other Athletes, Judges and
Officials of the Pro League.
7. To work for the Pro League, not against it, in promoting its values, morals
and ethics.
15. To oppose the use of banned substances and methods

Officials:

3. To safeguard the health and physical fitness of the Athletes
9. To work for the Pro League, not against it, in promoting its values, morals
and ethics.
15. To oppose the use of banned substances and methods.

[kmhphoto]

The problem is that governments create/enforce laws that interfere with private sporting bodies.

The NFL, MLB, etc. has allowed WADA-driven government initiatives to determine how they run their business(es).

I think private sporting bodies should take a stand against government interference.

WADA - what

But confronting the government would only focus attention on themselves.
Lets let the politicians think their policy is working while everyone with half a brain knows that every single competitive sportsman uses some for of "supplement".

Perhaps Nike should step forward and campaign for a change in the law. They have a lot of sponsorship money tied up in "clean" athletes :-)

[Chick]

Bob,

Your loyalty to Lee is admirable.

I think if the letter involved anyone else, you likely would have responded more rationally and addressed the points I raised.

Not likely...although Lee is a close friend, it has much to do with people like you putting in their 2 cents when it was never asked for in the first place. Perhaps you should tell Jim Manion personally, what he needs to do next time you see him...i'm sure you'll be welcomed with open arms.

While you're at it...why dont you bestow your ideas to GM, or the Banking institutions?  I'm sure Obama could use your expertisein the middle East

[Millard Baker]

But confronting the government would only focus attention on themselves.
Lets let the politicians think their policy is working while everyone with half a brain knows that every single competitive sportsman uses some for of "supplement".

True. But the indictment of NPC chair is quite a bit of attention already not mention other recent arrests... I'm worried that the attention is already squarely upon them