Weider wanted him in the IFBB bad. He was smart for not making the jump.
The story I was told was that in order for Jeff to be admitted into the IFBB,he would have had to compete in their Mr. America and Mr. Universe contests and he had won these both Mr. A in the AAU and the NABBA Universe in Britian both very prestigous contests back then,and he refused to go backwards just to appease Weider.
I cant recall who told me that .....it may not be correct so dont quote me......just second hand information .
You`re right though he was smart to get out,he has a great career,great family,loves to hunt and fish, and his main hobby is taxidermy believe it or not.
Most importantly he has his health,and still looks in shape,not huge but in condition.