1)Of the people who've asked me do I use steroids, I'll assume most are just asking out of curiosity and not with any demeaning intent. For example, I teach high school kids. Most of what they know about steroids comes from the 6:00 news. They see my physique and wonder if I take them too. If they still don't believe me I just take it as a compliment.
2)I honestly don't know if there is a limit on the size of a natural bodybuilder. When it comes to genetics you have extremes at both ends of the spectrum. I know guys from my high school weightlifting class who were pretty big and strong naturally. If you wanted to get your name on the top 10 bench press wall, you had to bench at least 300. None of the guys I went to school with could afford steroids, or supplements for that matter. Their diets were bad. It was all genetics and hard work. My wrestling team looked like they all could have stepped on a teenage bodybuilding stage and done well.
3)Mike Ashely - Yes
Yohnnie Shambourger - Yes
Mike Lockett - Who knows? I'd like to believe he is.
Herc, I am also a high school teacher ( chemistry and physics) in the ATL area.
I judge in NPC shows in the area, so I can't compliment you too much or some might think I have bias for you, should you win a show around here that I judge hehehe.
I was getting a bit bummed out on the overall scene due to the EXTREME drug use I see in many of the hardcore guys.
I stumbled about your thread , her at getbig and find it breath of fresh air, to say the least.
Guys like you prove, that a bodybuilding can build a great physique WITHOUT a boatload of drugs.
I also like the fact that you have a good education and a sound , stable career.
Are you doing the Team U again this yr?
Howard