Bob Chick - Athlete's Representative?

[D.L. 5]

YEAH BUT THE NFL..NBA ETC PAY THERE ATHLETES......IFBB DOSENT...

lets cut the bullshit. what lee is saying is 100 per cent true. the bodybuilders dedicate their life, mind and soul not to mention risk their health for bodybuilding and they get paid peanuts. i could make more money working 'part time' as a janitor than what most pro's make 'from contests' eg- what the ifbb pays them not endoresments.

That is the truth and that is a disgrace in my opinion. who the hell would wanna be a pro bodybuilder when it costs more to prepare for the show than to get a placing.

What do people have to say about that?

[onlyme]

The IFBB is a business...and part of their business years ago, was to secure the best bodybuilders in the world and get them to join their federation. Obviously, they won the war in terms of being the premiere place to compete if you were one of the best, or aspired to be.

 Any successful business would never just let their people go off to support their competitors...and as a way of compensation, there are certain perks that come with being a part of the IFBB...guest posing opportunities, supplement endorsements, appearances, magazine exposure and of course...a stage to compete against the best in the world.

As long as there are athletes wiling to keep waving the IFBB flag...there isnt a reason on this earth they would allow their members to compete elsewhere.

The IFBB is tax-exempt federation not a business (per se).  If you are working for the Muscular Dystrophy Association does that mean you can't go work for any other charity.   There are many people who guest pose around the world who are not members of the IFBB. Allot of top amateurs guest pose.  in reality you don't need the IFBB to guest pose.  Same with supplement endorsements, many amateurs and non-bodybuilding people have supp contracts.   So you don't really need the IFBB for that either.  I have seen MANY MANY non-IFBB BB's in magazines.  So in reality you don't need the IFBB for that either.  SO again, what does the IFBB do.  And you make it sound like the IFBB goes out and gets their members endorsement contracts, guest posing appearances.  Why do you do that.

[chaos]

"why do you do that"

Onlyme, that's his volunteer job.

[Lee_a_priest]

Many...including yourself as you see now.

It's still a competition, Lee...of course not everybody is going to make big money and sign big contracts.

YES I DID.......BUT THE IFBB DIDNT GO AND GET ME MY CONTRACT ED CONNORS AND IRVIN GELB DID ...I HADNT EVEN DONE A IFBB PRO SHOW WHEN I SIGNED WITH WIEDER.....BUT LIKE I SAID WHAT OF ALL THE OTHER PROS WHO PAY THE IFBB EVERY YEAR AND DONT EVEN GET THIER MEMBERSHIP MONEY BACK............LOOK IN MUSCLE MAG THERE ALOT LISTED.....NOW GO THROU AND ADD UP HOW MANY OF THEM HAVE MADE MORE THEN 1,000 FROM IFBB SHOWS

[Chick]

YES I DID.......BUT THE IFBB DIDNT GO AND GET ME MY CONTRACT ED CONNORS AND IRVIN GELB DID ...I HADNT EVEN DONE A IFBB PRO SHOW WHEN I SIGNED WITH WIEDER.....BUT LIKE I SAID WHAT OF ALL THE OTHER PROS WHO PAY THE IFBB EVERY YEAR AND DONT EVEN GET THIER MEMBERSHIP MONEY BACK............LOOK IN MUSCLE MAG THERE ALOT LISTED.....NOW GO THROU AND ADD UP HOW MANY OF THEM HAVE MADE MORE THEN 1,000 FROM IFBB SHOWS

The IFBB gave you the platform to be able to be in a position for Ed Connors and Irvin Gelb to help get you a contract...if not...you may well have been the 20 time "Mr. Australia"...and been an obscure bb making zippo...because you were a great bb and had the ability to compete with the best...opportunities opened up to you...because you were in the IFBB.

Membership does have it's privledges...

Many more bbers HAVEN'T made any real money than HAVE for the simple reason that it is a competition and the best will always get the money, the contracts, and the opportunities...why would a guy ranked 37th expect to make as much as the top 10? He wouldn't....but he has the opportunity to improve and get himself in contention...not everyone is an overnight sensation, and many have climbed their way to making a nice living from being a pro bb.

Those opportunities are STILL in the IFBB as few others outside it have contracts worth mentioning...

[Lee_a_priest]

The IFBB gave you the platform to be able to be in a position for Ed Connors and Irvin Gelb to help get you a contract...if not...you may well have been the 20 time "Mr. Australia"...and been an obscure bb making zippo...because you were a great bb and had the ability to compete with the best...opportunities opened up to you...because you were in the IFBB.

Membership does have it's privledges...

Many more bbers HAVEN'T made any real money than HAVE for the simple reason that it is a competition and the best will always get the money, the contracts, and the opportunities...why would a guy ranked 37th expect to make as much as the top 10? He wouldn't....but he has the opportunity to improve and get himself in contention...not everyone is an overnight sensation, and many have climbed their way to making a nice living from being a pro bb.

Those opportunities are STILL in the IFBB as few others outside it have contracts worth mentioning...

THEY DONT HAVE A CHANCE WITH POLITICS....COME ON WEVE SEEN WOLF GET SCREWED..AND MANY OTHER FROM OVERSEAS.........BOB I HAD MANY CONTRACTS BEFORE I CAME TO AMERICA WITH COMPANIES IN AUSTRALIA WHO PAYED ME MORE THEN WIEDER DID......IN ANY OTHER SPORT A  GUY RANKED 37TH MAKES GOOD MONEY........ITS THE SAME PEOPLE IN IFBB OVER AND OVER MAKING MONEY AND SAME GUEST POSING....GOD YOU ARE A COMPANY MAN

[Wiggs]

The IFBB gave you the platform to be able to be in a position for Ed Connors and Irvin Gelb to help get you a contract...if not...you may well have been the 20 time "Mr. Australia"...and been an obscure bb making zippo...because you were a great bb and had the ability to compete with the best...opportunities opened up to you...because you were in the IFBB.

Membership does have it's privledges...

Many more bbers HAVEN'T made any real money than HAVE for the simple reason that it is a competition and the best will always get the money, the contracts, and the opportunities...why would a guy ranked 37th expect to make as much as the top 10? He wouldn't....but he has the opportunity to improve and get himself in contention...not everyone is an overnight sensation, and many have climbed their way to making a nice living from being a pro bb.

Those opportunities are STILL in the IFBB as few others outside it have contracts worth mentioning...

I usually stay quiet about things like this but I must say that after reading just about every post concerning "Athletes Rep" stuff, and listening to the radio show, you spend more time defending the IFBB and their rules rather than helping the athletes.  At least Shawn Ray defended the athletes and stuck his neck out.  You are more of a liason for the IFBB to the athletes.  Yeah you have done some things but your posts speak something totally different.  Perhaps your relationship with the IFBB is too close in order for you to execute your duties in an effective manner.  You do a good job MCing and narrating the radio show but I feel the job could be executed in a more effective manner.

[Chick]

I usually stay quiet about things like this but I must say that after reading just about every post concerning "Athletes Rep" stuff, and listening to the radio show, you spend more time defending the IFBB and their rules rather than helping the athletes.  At least Shawn Ray defended the athletes and stuck his neck out.  You are more of a liason for the IFBB to the athletes.  Yeah you have done some things but your posts speak something totally different.  Perhaps your relationship with the IFBB is too close in order for you to execute your duties in an effective manner.  You do a good job MCing and narrating the radio show but I feel the job could be executed in a more effective manner.

Please...I've done plenty for the athletes.

I explain what reality is and interperet the rules for those who cant seem to figure them out. Do you know what I've done in reguards to the athletes? Please list a few of those things to qualify your post and your assessment of my contributions thus far...

I didn't write the rule book...

[Hunter86]

I usually stay quiet about things like this but I must say that after reading just about every post concerning "Athletes Rep" stuff, and listening to the radio show, you spend more time defending the IFBB and their rules rather than helping the athletes.  At least Shawn Ray defended the athletes and stuck his neck out.  You are more of a liason for the IFBB to the athletes.  Yeah you have done some things but your posts speak something totally different.  Perhaps your relationship with the IFBB is too close in order for you to execute your duties in an effective manner.  You do a good job MCing and narrating the radio show but I feel the job could be executed in a more effective manner.

Maybe Chick gets his idea's on politics from The School of Don Vito Correlone

"Keep your friends close, and you enemies closer."

[willie mosconi]

The IFBB gave you the platform to be able to be in a position for Ed Connors and Irvin Gelb to help get you a contract...if not...you may well have been the 20 time "Mr. Australia"...and been an obscure bb making zippo...because you were a great bb and had the ability to compete with the best...opportunities opened up to you...because you were in the IFBB.

Membership does have it's privledges...

Many more bbers HAVEN'T made any real money than HAVE for the simple reason that it is a competition and the best will always get the money, the contracts, and the opportunities...why would a guy ranked 37th expect to make as much as the top 10? He wouldn't....but he has the opportunity to improve and get himself in contention...not everyone is an overnight sensation, and many have climbed their way to making a nice living from being a pro bb.

Those opportunities are STILL in the IFBB as few others outside it have contracts worth mentioning...

the IFBB didn't give him the platform- he earned it damn it!

Again, this is all bullshit meant to maintain IFBB power. There is no justifiable reason to deny access for pros to compete in other organizations other than the self-preservation of the IFBB. This is NOT okay because most of the pros can't make a living through the IFBB.

Why the hell would anybody become a pro bodybuilder? Why would you want to subject yourself to so much humiliation and victimization?

[Chick]

the IFBB didn't give him the platform- he earned it damn it!

Again, this is all bullshit meant to maintain IFBB power. There is no justifiable reason to deny access for pros to compete in other organizations other than the self-preservation of the IFBB. This is NOT okay because most of the pros can't make a living through the IFBB.

Why the hell would anybody become a pro bodybuilder? Why would you want to subject yourself to so much humiliation and victimization?

So...what part arent you understanding?

If all the pros were allowed to compete wherever they wanted...the same guys would STILL be winning and making the money....and the same guys NOT making money and signing contracts STILL wouldn't be. You don't all of a sudden become more marketable in a different federation. The supplement companies are STILL looking for the biggest draws, the best spokesman, etc.

[Hunter86]

Bob what would you say is the median income for IFBB pro's

[willie mosconi]

So...what part arent you understanding?

If all the pros were allowed to compete wherever they wanted...the same guys would STILL be winning and making the money....and the same guys NOT making money and signing contracts STILL wouldn't be. You don't all of a sudden become more marketable in a different federation. The supplement companies are STILL looking for the biggest draws, the best spokesman, etc.

so, why not allow it to see if that would actually happen? What's the worst that could occur? Perhaps competition would be good for the IFBB? Perhaps more would be offered? Perhaps the quality of life could actually improve for pros as a consequence?

[Chick]

so, why not allow it to see if that would actually happen? What's the worst that could occur? Perhaps competition would be good for the IFBB? Perhaps more would be offered? Perhaps the quality of life could actually improve for pros as a consequence?

Competition would be GREAT for the athletes...unfortunately ...there isn't enough talent pool out there to substanciate another federation, or make it any real competition...the PDI is a great example.

There is also the supplement companies...they will only sponsor so many shows...putting out more money to appeal to the same audience isn't the smartest move.

Whats the worst that could occur? TWO sets of athletes that arent making money...audiences that arent willing to pay to see watered down line-ups...

[Hunter86]

Competition would be GREAT for the athletes...unfortunately ...there isn't enough talent pool out there to substanciate another federation, or make it any real competition...the PDI is a great example.

There is also the supplement companies...they will only sponsor so many shows...putting out more money to appeal to the same audience isn't the smartest move.

Whats the worst that could occur? TWO sets of athletes that arent making money...audiences that arent willing to pay to see watered down line-ups...

Lee and the rest of the Village People is not a watered down line up

[Vince B]

Socrates would call Bob a Sophist who will say anything just to win an argument or fool people.

Bob said: "I'm actually at a loss for a response ...you're so clueless and out of the loop it's amusing...pitiful, but still amusing.

My "job" isn't to reinforce rules...it's to interpret them and protect athletes from getting treated with bias. Where I see rules that aren't in our best interest...I propose getting them changed...which I have."

Why does the IFBB need a stooge to "interpret" rules? What the hell is that? The plain truth is that some rules are enforced (no competing in non-IFBB contests) whereas others are ignored (drug testing).

You seem to be making up your job as you go along. Do what Milos said and represent the athletes after canvassing them to find out what they want. It seems you ignore them and do whatever you think is best. That is not what a rep should do.

Bob, I have a masters degree in philosophy so I have a good grasp of what is written in rule books. Bob, you have no shame, whatever. Neither has the IFBB.

[onlyme]

Competition would be GREAT for the athletes...unfortunately ...there isn't enough talent pool out there to substanciate another federation, or make it any real competition...the PDI is a great example.

There is also the supplement companies...they will only sponsor so many shows...putting out more money to appeal to the same audience isn't the smartest move.

Whats the worst that could occur? TWO sets of athletes that arent making money...audiences that arent willing to pay to see watered down line-ups...

Last time I checked all but one PDI is outside the US.  Are you telling us that sponsors have NO interest in expanding their demographics or audience.  Are you telling us NO ONE outside the US takes supplements or are interested in the health industry.  From what I see it's an entirely different audience (in terms of geographical area) the PDI is going after first.  I just have a hard time believing a company wouldn't be interested in reaching more people.  Please Chic tell us your marketing strategy.  Cause it is obvious some supplement companies were interested in the expansion but the IFBB threatened them. 

By the way have you put in for you resignation as the IFBB athletes rep and submitted the new one to be the IFBB Rep to the Members

[onlyme]

So...what part arent you understanding?

If all the pros were allowed to compete wherever they wanted...the same guys would STILL be winning and making the money....and the same guys NOT making money and signing contracts STILL wouldn't be. You don't all of a sudden become more marketable in a different federation. The supplement companies are STILL looking for the biggest draws, the best spokesman, etc.

See again you are showing how little you know and how little you really do rep the members.  There are shows happening all the time.  Probably every weekend a year there is a show happening.  How do you think all these guys are going to enter every show.  Ronnie might enter one in Houston or whereveer and Jay might enter one in London.  In addition, since the pros live all over the place they can compete closer to home and reduce costs.  Hell there are gold tournaments all over the place, but Tiger doesn't compete in all of them does he.  Honestly Chic the IFBB has made you dumber and dumber.  Get  a clue and start thinking about the members not what the IFBB tells you to think about.  Be a man and stand on your own two feet for once.  It is getting sadder and sadder.

[D.L. 5]

bottomline - many many people aren't happy with the current state of things and the ifbb

[knny187]

THEY DONT HAVE A CHANCE WITH POLITICS....COME ON WEVE SEEN WOLF GET SCREWED..AND MANY OTHER FROM OVERSEAS.........BOB I HAD MANY CONTRACTS BEFORE I CAME TO AMERICA WITH COMPANIES IN AUSTRALIA WHO PAYED ME MORE THEN WIEDER DID......IN ANY OTHER SPORT A  GUY RANKED 37TH MAKES GOOD MONEY........ITS THE SAME PEOPLE IN IFBB OVER AND OVER MAKING MONEY AND SAME GUEST POSING....GOD YOU ARE A COMPANY MAN

I'll agree with that.....I've seen Wolf get a lower placement & still can't figure out the politics behind it.

[Chick]

Wait a second...I thought the whole problem was that the bbers had no power because there was always someone who would replace them if they got booted?

So, now it's that bbers are hard to come by? And not a glut of people wanting to be paid to be a bber?

You sure about that? Seems like if the bbers were so few and far between, we wouldn't have this problem -- the bbers would have the control...but it's the other way around because if one bber talks back (such as Lee), there are a hundred just waiting to jump in and replace him.

...or maybe you are right. The PDI doesn't seem to have picked up many bbers (big names or not), so maybe there aren't a lot of people waiting for their turn. In that case, the existing bbers might just need a rallying point...something to get them all moving in the same direction...someone to focus their power...something like an athletes rep or something...hmmm

Or a UNION, perhaps?

Forget it....I tried to organize one when Lee's buddy Wayne was still in charge....The bigest mouths of BB were nowhere to be found when the meeting started. I had over 100 responses (106 to be exact) saying that they would support a union and be there at the meeting...how many actually showed? 21.

Should tell you everything you need to know...

[BEAST 8692]

Or a UNION, perhaps?

Forget it....I tried to organize one when Lee's buddy Wayne was still in charge....The bigest mouths of BB were nowhere to be found when the meeting started. I had over 100 responses (106 to be exact) saying that they would support a union and be there at the meeting...how many actually showed? 21.

Should tell you everything you need to know...

are you saying that these blowhards don't walk their talk Chick?

[BEAST 8692]

So you just throw in the towel and say fuck it? Damm, how did you ever become a pro being such a quitter?

i truly am sorry to say that it appears that he's done a lot more than your buddy, Milos.

[BEAST 8692]

Ok. That's fine. He is, afterall the athletes rep...but sounds like he's burnt out and we need a replacement whose all fired up.

i think you just identified the problem

[BEAST 8692]

i think you just identified the problem

problem being not Chick's credibility as athlete's rep, but rather who the fuck is going to take on the role that's actually fired up?

Melvyn??? yeah right. the marvelous one lasted 5 seconds in his rebel outfit before he shot his load and took his bat and ball home.

Milos??? only gets fired up about things concerning Milos.

Lee Priest??? emotionally responsive ie "I'm quitting now...no i'm not" and overestimates his importance.