[mindgame]

IT'S OFFICIAL: LEE PRIEST IS BACK IN THE IFBB - Flex Online

IT'S OFFICIAL: LEE PRIEST IS BACK IN THE IFBB
IFBB votes to allow controversial Priest to return to competition

by Allan Donnelly

June 9, 2008

FLEXONLINE.COM

It’s official – Lee Priest is back in the IFBB, effective immediately.

“Yes, he’s back in the IFBB,” IFBB Professional League Chairman Jim Manion said. “He’s free to enter any contest, he’s free to guest pose. He has to sign his membership card but other than that formality, which I’m sure he will do, he’s officially back.”

Priest had been suspended by the IFBB since 2006, after choosing to compete in another organization, the now defunct Pro Division Inc. Priest had since reapplied for reinstatement. IFBB officials had originally planned to put Priest’s reinstatement up for a vote on Olympia Weekend, but recently decided to expedite that process in order to allow Priest a chance to qualify for the 2008 Olympia. When the decision was put to a vote, the committee voted overwhelmingly in Priest’s favor, as 11 of 16 members voted to allow Priest’s reinstatement.

“I think the timing was right,” Manion said. “I think Lee has been penalized long enough. He’s made a lot of overtures obviously to try to get back in the IFBB. He was probably going to be allowed back in September, so we decided to let him get back involved with the IFBB sooner. I’m sure he can’t wait to jump back on stage and get back into the action.”

Priest had been very outspoken in his decision to leave the IFBB, and, until recently, had been critical of officials for not allowing his reinstatement. However, Priest’s negative behavior has improved greatly in recent months, which led officials to believe the timing was right to allow Priest back in the IFBB.

“I think he made a bad decision [to leave the IFBB] and I think he knows he made a bad decision,” Manion said. “If he does break the rules again this will be his last chance basically. But in my heart I think he regrets it, so I don’t think that will happen again.

“The IFBB does not rely on one bodybuilder. One bodybuilder is not going to make or break the IFBB. Our federation is much too strong for that. Whether that be Lee Priest, who was suspended, or Ronnie Coleman retiring, the IFBB will always be moving forward.”

Now that the path is cleared for Priest's return to competition, expect to see him on stage at the Atlantic City Pro on September 12-13, where he will attempt to qualify for the 2008 Olympia.

[VolcomX311]

I think Lee would do extremely well in the new 205 and under class, but he's used to the whole David and Goliath thing, so we'll see if Lee still has it in him to be a giant slayer.

Good news though, Lee is one of my favorite bodybuilders.

[mindgame]

i kant wait to see the blonde myth on the attack man!

[TerribleTowel]

This is great news. I'd heard it rumored for a while, but it's nice to see that it's officially happened. Hopefully, we'll get to see him do a big show this year.

[mindgame]

i believe he is this year..but i 4got what he said

[pantera101]

I was searching for another pic of Lee and came across this one.It didn't say how old he was,but he's clearly young.It said teen pics but the others looked much older and bigger.

[mindgame]

OMG! I have to post this in another forum to see what Lee will say. lol

[pantera101]

Originally Posted by mindgame

OMG! I have to post this in another forum to see what Lee will say. lol

If you're talking where you gotta be talking,he never responds.I haven't checked ina while but last time it was nothing but questions toi him and someone mentioned how he replied like twice.

[mindgame]

i was talkin bout MD. he always chatting it up over there.

[ReaperX]

did he respond when you showed him that pic ?

[mindgame]

i 4got all about this pic and i just posted it today. so we shal see. He should repsond ethier today or tomorrow on it. i ask him how old he was in the pic

[mindgame]

all he said was "I JUST TURNED 13" I ask him how old he was. PM for the link to the thread at the other site if you want it.

[pantera101]

I'm a member of that site.Where did you post it?The Q and A with priest is still unanswered.He just doesn't respond to it so I figured he doesn't get on that site.I guess he doesn't like that thread.

[ReaperX]

Originally Posted by mindgame

all he said was "I JUST TURNED 13" I ask him how old he was. PM for the link to the thread at the other site if you want it.

lol. He's always had a weak chest.

[StanChampion]

lol.. I guess I am in the minority. I do not think they should have let him back in. Never really a fan of him.