Lee Preist
Rhino
Russian Guy #1
Russian Guy #2
TJ Scherborne(sp)
Russian Guy #3
SAmi Habukad (sp) ...from Game The Team
Russian Guy #4
Frank McGrath
sidenote, if Russian Guy #3 dials it in, its a WRAP!!!
lol
Great thread! Now my two cents...
1. I didn't think the PDI had any credibility even before this announcement. But even PDI-cheerleaders (I'm looking at you, 240!) will have to admit that the withdrawal is a serious blow to an organization that was already struggling. At this rate, I would not be at all surprised to see the NOC cancelled - "nearly sold out" or not. Whether you would choose to mourn or celebrate is up to you.
2. The problem with even a Wal-Mart/mom-and-pop analogy is that it presupposes an effectively limitless consumer base that could support both (and others besides). Even if you make the completely unproven assumption that the IFBB's head-up-assedness has left significant amounts of bodybuilding interest untapped, the Chickster is right on this at least: there is barely enough supplement-company sponsorship money coming in to support even the one monopoly federation. Even if the PDI could stagger along for a while, it would only be diluting what is already weak tea.
3. I agree that the changes to the Olympia prize money are nothing to soil one's trunks over. But it's a little better than nothing - and the bodybuilders probably wouldn't even have that if someone hadn't hassled the IFBB about it. So whatever credit is due should go to the athlete's rep - stooge though he may be - who, last I heard, wasn't being paid a penny for his trouble. So bust Bob's balls for keeping the Masters title that should have gone to Rusty Jeffers if you like - but I'd ease up on him about this at least.
4. I think it's time to rename the NOC to "A Night with Lee Priest and Friends". If you agree, you can send your suggestion to Wayne at the PDI's free e-mail address. [snicker...]