what about all of the people that nearly missed qualifying for the O, shouldn't they get a special invite ahead of Lee?
it wouldn't be fair to others if Lee got a special invite. He should be allowed to qualify on his own merit
Others (Gunther) have received invites. After 15 some odd of years bleeding for this sport and the IFBB you would think an aging vet could get an invite. Its not like he's asking for a placing. He is clearly one of the biggest fan favorites. It's good for the sport and the fans. Everyone just want to see him there...
The IFBB better take care of these beloved "characters" of BB. There are few personalities left and after Lee leaves, the BB world will be that much less interesting. There is no name/face recognition left in BB. Lee is still one of the top 5 most recognizable names to the common weight trainer/supplement customer. I still dont understand why this guy doesn't have a huge endorsement deal right now. I have said this before, and I will say it again. Out of say 10 of my friends that DO NOT follow BB, Lee is one of the few names/physiques that they recognize. Arnold, Yates, Ronnie, Jay, Lee and a few others... those are some of the only names they recognize. These are the people that make up 80% of the supplement industry that SUPPORTS BB. It's like some of the companies and their marketing people have no fucking common sense. Nobody knows who the hell Victor or Dexter are. You have to follow BB to know most of the current or rising top placers right now.
Lee is publicity and recognition for the IFBB and BB as a whole. So what if he has a slight "bad boy" twinge. Many advertising firms spend tons of $ to craft that persona or feel in a product/brand. The target market for BB also happens to eat it up.
The problem is the people making decisions lost touch with the common customer/fan. They only see the top placings and current fresh blood with potential. The thing is, the average joe has no idea who they are. Personality sells, genetics dont. Lee still has one of the freakiest, more recognizable physiques of all time. His short stature personifies the underdog, the little man, the David and Goliath... the Giant Slayer. It makes it that much easier for average joes to associate with him and look up to him. He can walk away today and remain one of the top names in BB history. How many Pro's can say that? There are repeat Olympians who cant even say that.