As much as I like bustin this guys nuts, he is a pro. I agree that pro's should be able to make there money when and where they can (aside from G4P). Some pros, need more than just what their endorsements pay, and to be a successful BB you can't really have a full time job and try to peak for a show.
Not all BB fans are educated on the complete physique, infact most fans are new fans that are just into the sport for the wow factor. Joe Weider specifically had obtained athletes in the 90s to add the WOW factor back into the sport to sell more tickets. A normal guy would look at a lee priest and say wow!!! how does he not win the show?, Same with Paul Dillet. Just adding more freaks to the show to sell tickets. The IFBB has capitalized off of their athletes for a long time and held them to exclusive contracts. Even the NBA allowed their athletes to compete in another organization (the Olympics).
Lee has voiced his opinion on the one sided benefit of IFBB Athletes, being good for IFBB, shitty for athletes. He has gone off tried new things and has decided he wants back in. No big deal. But to be held out of an organization who he clearly helped sell tickets for/filled auditorium seats for is stupid. People go to the pro shows to see the Freaks and that is what he is. Shawn Ray had his following but was just another short BB like david henry etc, Lee was different, He illicited those Good God he is a freak type comments.
I think if Lee wants to round out his career in the IFBB, he should be allowed. Yes people will say that the IFBB made Lee but Lee did help grow the IFBB esp in the 90s.
Sorry for the early morning rant, coffee has kicked it yet but the Oxys have........
