Not the problem. But posting about someones family, calling the very organization we all try to build and in our industry a scam, corrupt, and more - well - I don't need that nor want it here. BIG difference. Let Anthony Roberts twist another story.
I agree - families are off-limits, period. This is non-negotiable. Unless someone's wife or kid posts on GetBig, leave them out of the discussion.
I don't know Anthony Roberts, but in everything I've ever read of his, it's clear that he has an ax to grind with the NPC. When I asked 'who the fuck is this guy?', I was told that he doesn't even go to shows, that he's just a guy who's tried to sell himself as a sort of steroid guru or whatever.
I do, however, know Blockhead. I see him at no less than 1-2 NPC/IFBB shows per year (never asked whether he snuck in or actually bought a ticket with money he stole from his girlfriend

) and he also preps competitors for NPC events. Given that he's paying his fair share, as a consumer, he has earned the right to be critical, if he sees fit. He's deeply embedded in Chicago bodybuilding culture and if he's got first-hand knowledge of sketchy activities, as a responsible citizen, doesn't he have an OBLIGATION to research the story and then report it?
I've been going to NPC/IFBB shows for almost 17 years. Over that time, I've bought a significant amount worth of tickets and sponsorships. I'll often shake hands with some of the judges I've known casually for years, but have NO PROBLEM calling them out when I see what looks like a bad judging decision. And the following year, we do it all over again. Sometimes, they're right, sometimes I (or the fans) am right. Neither side is 100% correct every single time and that's the BEAUTY of the judges' relationship with the fans.
I'm the first to say that the NPC has been
very good to me this past decade and I'm happy to have had a tiny, insignificant role in promoting bodybuilding, fitness, and figure, but that doesn't mean the organization is perfect. Others of you see things that I don't see, but on balance, the NPC does a damn fine job of promoting the physique sports and getting more people involved with healthier lifestyles. I look at where my life is today vs where I was 18 months ago and I can say to an absolute certainty that I am MUCH healthier today than I was back then and my involvement with bodybuilding has a lot to do with that.
In conclusion, I would just like to say that GetBig - much like the larger NPC - is a family. Occasionally, we're going to piss one another off, but at the end of the day, I don't believe that anyone chose GetBig. GetBig chose each of
us. (no homo) Whether people stay or move on, however, IS a matter of choice and I'm hoping that you, Ron, will choose to make it easier for everyone to decide to stay by leaving the G&O as it has been for the better part of a decade.
Thanks for listening.