Don Long & Vince Taylor on Muscle Radio - Taylor turns on Demilia's PDI!

[Lift Studios]

IFBB Pros Don Long and Vince Taylor on MUSCLE RADIO
The current episode of Muscle Radio started with an in depth session with IFBB Pro Don Long. As many of you know, Don is planning to compete in the Atlantic City Pro Show in September but needs to get approval from the IFBB to do so in light of the kidney failure he suffered in 1999. Don took advantage of his appearance on the show to tell the WHOLE story, including a new form of dialysis he is on called “nocturnal dialysis”, his current health status, whether he intends to use diuretics and the real reasons that competing in this one event is very important to him. We also had Don’s sister on the air with us discussing her feelings about her brother’s return to the stage as well as Jim Manion’s current feelings about Don’s proposed comeback.
 
Next up, bodybuilding’s most controversial competitor at the moment, Vince Taylor, came on the air and talked about the exact details of the reasons he recently decided not to compete in the PDI and to stay with the IFBB and compete in this year’s Olympia. Vince spared no words in publicly speaking on the issue for the first time and also addressed whether there was any attempt by the IFBB to bring him back by securing a supplement contract for him or paying him a large sum of guest posing money, as was rumored on the internet. If you want to know exactly why Vince made the choices he made, straight from the man himself, Muscle Radio is the place to get it!

Listen to the replay at www.Muscleradio.com.

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40 minutes in Vince Taylor comes onto the show...

Vince Taylor: "I believed in what he was trying to do."

Regards to PDI contract...
Vince Taylor: "I'm involved in changing organizations. I have obligations with the IFBB I wanted to finish. That fell under the time table of June 18th. So anything up to June 18th I am an IFBB member."

He calls Wayne out on some of his promises and claims as why he is competing in the Mr. Olympia and not the PDI. Very interesting to see what Wayne will have to say about this.

[Tre]

Props to Mr. Pepe for speaking with and getting answers from Jim Manion prior to speaking on the radio with Don. 

Listeners benefit when the host does his homework.  I appreciate it. 

[240 is Back]

The IFBB has stated they will require a note from Don's doctor, in which the doctor assume full liability for him competing, signed 24 hours before the show.

I'm not sure that's exactly reasonable.  What doctor would ever sign such a paper, even for a pro Bber WITH 2 good kidneys?  Plus I think this would mean his doc will have to travel with him to AC for the show?

[Lift Studios]

The IFBB has stated they will require a note from Don's doctor, in which the doctor assume full liability for him competing, signed 24 hours before the show.

I'm not sure that's exactly reasonable.  What doctor would ever sign such a paper, even for a pro Bber WITH 2 good kidneys?  Plus I think this would mean his doc will have to travel with him to AC for the show?

The IFBB protects themselves by his doctor doing this and in turn allows him to fullfill his wish to compete one more time. Maybe his doctor believes in his health and is willing to do it, not many doctors would but it should be interesting to see if his does. As it stands now he said he will. We shall see...

[Ron]

Don is planning to compete in the Atlantic City Pro Show in September but needs to get approval from the IFBB to do so in light of the kidney failure he suffered in 1999. Don took advantage of his appearance on the show to tell the WHOLE story, including a new form of dialysis he is on called “nocturnal dialysis”,

Now - no matter what kind of dialysis he is on, we do not know what will happen come contest day, and that is the problem. So Don Long does not have kidneys, but what about all of the other problems that may occur as he gets nearer to contest day. Will the doctor sign off on that? Will the doctor assume all liability that if anything happens to Don, he is responsible for the hospital, doctor, and any other bill.

Now let's say the IFBB lets him compete, and something happens. Guess what - everybody will be saying that the IFBB was foolish enough to let him compete, especially if he falls. If nothing happens, thank god. But if something unexpectedly happens with someone with no kidney, can you imagine how that will look?

Or the headlines will be on this board...

[TK]

All I can say is - Don can invoke this to make his case with the IFBB!

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT of 1990

Signed into law on July 26 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act is a wide-ranging legislation intended to make American Society more accessible to people with disabilities.

It is divided into five titles:

1. Employment (Title I) Business must provide reasonable accommodations to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment. Possible changes may include restructuring jobs, altering the layout of workstations, or modifying equipment. Employment aspects may include the application process, hiring, wages, benefits, and all other aspects of employment. Medical examinations are highly regulated.

2. Public Services (Title II) Public services, which include state and local government instrumentalities, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, and other commuter authorities, cannot deny services to people with disabilities participation in programs or activities which are available to people without disabilities. In addition, public transportation systems, such as public transit buses, must be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

3. Public Accommodations (Title III) All new construction and modifications must be accessible to individuals with disabilities. For existing facilities, barriers to services must be removed if readily achievable. Public accommodations include facilities such as restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, retail stores, etc., as well as privately owned transportation systems.

4. Telecommunications (Title IV) Telecommunications companies offering telephone service to the general public must have telephone relay service to individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TTYs) or similar devices.

5. Miscellaneous (Title V) Includes a provision prohibiting either (a) coercing or threatening or (b) retaliating against the disabled or those attempting to aid people with disabilities in asserting their rights under the ADA.

[Lift Studios]

but what about all of the other problems that may occur as he gets nearer to contest day.

What problems might these be Ronald? Don will probably be one of the healthiest guys on the entire stage, he said himself he won't be using diuertics and we all know where that can land people. Some of Getbig's finest pros can related to overdoing the diuertics.

Will the doctor sign off on that? Will the doctor assume all liability that if anything happens to Don, he is responsible for the hospital, doctor, and any other bill

Ah the million dollar question... Will the doctor sign off on it is the question? We'll have to wait and see on that.

Now let's say the IFBB lets him compete, and something happens. Guess what - everybody will be saying that the IFBB was foolish enough to let him compete, especially if he falls. If nothing happens, thank god. But if something unexpectedly happens with someone with no kidney, can you imagine how that will look?

Or the headlines will be on this board...

How is that any different then something happening to ANY competitor? "If he falls"? What does the man get weak at the knees come contest day because of his kidney condition? If a doctor signs off on it and assume responsibility then who is anyone to tell him he can't do it?

When does any organization start claiming to protect the athlete from themselves? If that's the case the get a doctor's note from every competitor.

[Ron]

What problems might these be Ronald? Don will probably be one of the healthiest guys on the entire stage, he said himself he won't be using diuertics and we all know where that can land people. Some of Getbig's finest pros can related to overdoing the diuertics.

Get with it Lift. If you were the promoter, would you be ok with this? If something happens, no matter what he signed, and it happens on your stage or venue, you will be liable. Diurectics is the least of your problems there.

High blood pressure is very common - this can lead to heart attack or a stroke.  Many dialysis patients have anaemia, it makes them weak and tired - you don't know what will happen as he gets closer to competition. And much more.

But it it worth taking a chance?

Nothing against Don Long, he is a great guy, but the liabilities with this is high. Still, I would like to see what doctor would agree to let him compete and take the liability issues away on this matter.

[Lift Studios]

Get with it Lift. If you were the promoter, would you be ok with this? If something happens, no matter what he signed, and it happens on your stage or venue, you will be liable. Diurectics is the least of your problems there.

High blood pressure is very common - this can lead to heart attack or a stroke.  Many dialysis patients have anaemia, it makes them weak and tired - you don't know what will happen as he gets closer to competition. And much more.

But it it worth taking a chance?

Nothing against Don Long, he is a great guy, but the liabilities with this is high. Still, I would like to see what doctor would agree to let him compete and take the liability issues away on this matter.

All competitors sign a waiver not holding the promoter responsible anyway. If I am a promoter and have a signed, legal document not holding me or the federation liable - how is this back on me the promoter?

We don't know what will happen to Don you're correct. We also don't know about what other competitors are doing to try and achieve extreme condition or we do and since they aren't on dialysis we turn the other cheek and don't address that?

[Tre]

If the IFBB is smart, they'll let the man compete and use the positive PR to take the sport to great heights in terms of national exposure. 

[jwb]

End of the day the guy is getting into contest shape for the DVD filming so why not let him compete?

One big thing is that he is in great shape ALL the time by the sounds of it... sounds less dangerous than some of these guys trying to lose 40lbs in 6 weeks like we frequently see...

[Tre]

Get with it Lift. If you were the promoter, would you be ok with this? If something happens, no matter what he signed, and it happens on your stage or venue, you will be liable...Still, I would like to see what doctor would agree to let him compete and take the liability issues away on this matter.

The promoter and federation are no more liable for Don's health than ABC is when they broadcast David Blaine's stunts.  (Blaine does have a doctor and medical team with him during each one, though)

[Tre]

Thanks, also, to Vince for coming on and setting the record straight about his exploration of the PDI.  It was nice to finally hear Vince in his own words instead of second-hand and third-hand hearsay from the peanut gallery. 

I look forward to the follow-up to his interview. 

[240 is Back]

If I'm not mistaken, the wording was something like "He needs to have his doctor sign a form assuming full liability, 24 hours before the show."

This sounds unreasonable - can any doctor here give ANY circumstance where you would actually sign a form ASSUMING FULL LIABILITY?

It sounds like the IFBB has said no, but they don't want to own up to it, so they're doing something unreasonable to deny him.  I honestly cannot see ANY doctor filling out such a form for ANY athlete in the show.

[Lift Studios]

I spoke with Larry, the host of Muscle Radio, a little more on some of these issues and based on our conversation, let me elborate on a few things..

Ronbo you're a little off base my friend. Everything you are saying is related to conventional dialysis as Don admitted on the show. Apparently you didn't listen to the broadcast yet.  He (Don) would have to have a full medical exam within 24 hours, so high blood pressure is not an issue...he'd be pulled from the show.
 
As for whether the doc would would have to travel with him, I don't think that would be required. He could go to a local clinic in NJ when he arrives, do a dialysis session and have his vitals and blood work done.
 
As for the doc signing off on it, two points. One, keep in mind that Don is potentially a HUGE (no pun intended) success story for a new treatment (nocturnal dialysis) that could help God knows how many people with kidney failure. So, if his doc is really confident in his health at this point, he might just sign off on it because of the potential positive impact on the patient community at large. Second, if the doc won't sign off on it, why would the IFBB, a non-medical federation?
 
And, yes, Tre you are right. If he is healthy enough to do it and shows up at the show, the potential for positive exposure for the sport could be a great thing. In Don's words, bodybuilding saved his life and his condition was clearly genetic and is reflected as such in his medical reports after scans of his kidneys were done.

Look at the photo of Don on MuscleRadio.com, same one posted here in the 12 weeks out thread and see if that looks like a guy who is so sick and lethargic and ready to drop. If he was in that bad of condition because of his dialysis, could he train hard enough to carry 260 and look like that? As Don's sister said on the show, no one who meets him has any idea that he has any health issue at all.

Pep has received a number of emails related to this show already and he thanks everyone for their support. Don also thanks everyone for listening and hearing his full story.

[240 is Back]

It's a great story.  I just have to wonder if the doc's liability insurance would allow him to ever sign a form saying "I assume full liability for this patient", for ANY patient.

Don was only given the information/requirements yesterday.  I would be very interested to hear how the call to his doc went today.  Please, Lift/Larry, keep us posted if you hear anything on this front.  Seems like this unfair requirement might be the only thing that stands in his way.

[Special Ed]

Who really cares about Don Long? This is such a non-story. It's more like watching Evil Knievel jump the falls. The guy could barely crack the top 10 in his prime and now suddenly there's interest? Puh-lease bee-atches.

Special "Me Ruv You Don Long Time" Ed

[Lift Studios]

Who really cares about Don Long? This is such a non-story. It's more like watching Evil Knievel jump the falls. The guy could barely crack the top 10 in his prime and now suddenly there's interest? Puh-lease bee-atches.

Special "Me Ruv You Don Long Time" Ed

It's a story of over-coming adversity and fullfilling his dreams. Walk a mile in his shoes then come talk to us "special" one and along the way ask yourself if there is a story.

A "non-story" is quickly becoming the PDI...

[Adam Empire]

The IFBB has stated they will require a note from Don's doctor, in which the doctor assume full liability for him competing, signed 24 hours before the show.

I'm not sure that's exactly reasonable.  What doctor would ever sign such a paper, even for a pro Bber WITH 2 good kidneys?  Plus I think this would mean his doc will have to travel with him to AC for the show?

Don't worry, I'm sure a "doctor" in Mexico will sign it...

[Special Ed]

It's a story of over-coming adversity and fullfilling his dreams. Walk a mile in his shoes then come talk to us "special" one and along the way ask yourself if there is a story.

Non-story. Don Long was no Flex Wheeler and we know where that comeback went. Dennis Newman comeback? Same non-story. Don Long had too many flaws to make a permanent impact in Pro BB: Too narrow, long torso, weak taper, blocky physique with no quad flare. Check out his record at Musclememory.com to refresh your recollection.

Don Long is doing this to try to score some money off of a video, some photoshoots, and an endorsement deal. Let's not get all deluded and think this is about anything else but a guy who needs money. Plain and simple.

What "dream" is he fulfilling? He misses the limelight and the attention. Same as Wayne D. I don't see you praising Wayne for overcoming adversity and attempting to fulfill his dreams. And I don't hear you and Chick saying "This is a non-story because Don has yet to actually compete" as when you say "Wayne is a non-story because PDI has yet to actually put on a show."

Be fair.

Special "HippoCrit and RhinoJack are mortal enemies" Ed

[G o a t b o y]

Now - no matter what kind of dialysis he is on, we do not know what will happen come contest day, and that is the problem. So Don Long does not have kidneys, but what about all of the other problems that may occur as he gets nearer to contest day. Will the doctor sign off on that? Will the doctor assume all liability that if anything happens to Don, he is responsible for the hospital, doctor, and any other bill.

Now let's say the IFBB lets him compete, and something happens. Guess what - everybody will be saying that the IFBB was foolish enough to let him compete, especially if he falls. If nothing happens, thank god. But if something unexpectedly happens with someone with no kidney, can you imagine how that will look?

Or the headlines will be on this board...

No one is or should be "responsible" for someone's health other than the person himself. Don is an adult and should be allowed to make his own decisions. If something happens, it is his responsibility, not his doctor's, and not the IFBB's.  His doctor is responsible for giving him sound advice, but it is not his problem if Don chooses not to follow it.

This kind of thing is what is turning this country to shit fast... we always expect someone else to be "responsible" for us, and whenever something bad happens we always look for someone to "blame".  I'm not just talking about bodybuilding, of course, but every aspect of our entire society.  It wasn't like this 20 or 30 years ago.  America is fast becoming a place that is less enjoyable to live in because of this kind of attitude.  Of course, socialist Europe is far worse.   

[240 is Back]

No doctor will ever sign a form taking full liability for ANY decision for ANY client.

The IFBB requiring this is unreasonable, and they certainly should require this of EVERy competitor if they're going to expect it of Don Long.

[Disgusted]

End of the day the guy is getting into contest shape for the DVD filming so why not let him compete?

One big thing is that he is in great shape ALL the time by the sounds of it... sounds less dangerous than some of these guys trying to lose 40lbs in 6 weeks like we frequently see...

BINGO! BTW, a DR can not sign a document guarenteeing that ANYONE will live or be in good health on a particular day. That is fucking stupid to even think that one would. 

[Tre]

BINGO! BTW, a DR can not sign a document guarenteeing that ANYONE will live or be in good health on a particular day. That is fucking stupid to even think that one would. 

But remember, the IFBB's in-house physicians and "IFBB Legal" have magic powers.

 

[buffbodz]

If Don did the show natural than that would be something.  I would think that's the only way any Dr. worth his certificate would mandate it.  It would become the story within the story.  Just the X factor, wondering in what condition He'll show up in, will He crack the top 10?  Bodybuilding was once, a very long time ago, something that made you healthier, live longer and eat better then 99% of the people out their.  Just Going back to those days will be a draw and I believe that's the only way a real Dr. would sine such an agreement.