Exactly , everyone NOW says it was obvious Ronnie was going to be a champ. Lol. Those a little older would tell you otherwise, even top pros used to make fun back then that Ronnie was spending his own money traveling hotel and peds. With cero chance to place decent “, no sponsorship or Magazine articles. “ exposure “.
Ronnie Coleman did get a contract with Met-Rx in the mid-90s and kept it until shortly after he won his first Olympia. Then, Weider bought out that contract and Ronnie jumped ship. He got some decent coverage in the pubs, but it was mainly MuscleMag International. Johnny Fitness used to describe his physique as having "fresh" muscle.
Everyone was shocked when Ronnie won in 1998.
Back to McNeil, it's obvious he had the potential. But, he just didn't quite apply himself and relied on his wife to foot the bill; so, he could just eat, sleep, and train.....and hoe around town.