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

[Polomac]

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.

[Vladar]

Great info bro!

I like Lee, and really can't wait to see him back on the big scene!

[Vladar]

LEE PRIEST:

BACK!!!!!!!!!
JUST WANT TO THANK JIM MANION AND THE OTHER MEMBERS WHO VOTED ON THIS.YES I MADE A BAD CHOICE LEAVING THE IFBB.....BUT THAT IS THE PAST TIME TO MOVE FORWARD.....

YES I STARTED DIET TODAY FOR THE ATLANTIC CITY PRO SHOW.....I AM GOING BACK TO AUSTRALIA JUNE 25TH TO PREPARE....HOPEFULY I WILL REMEBER HOW TO DIET ....
THANK YOU TO MY FANS WHO WANTED ME BACK.....

OK TIME TO GO DO CARDIO

LEE PRIEST

[Spartak]

great info! we miss him on stage...

[The_Bulldog]

This is a good news...veeeeery good news 

[Vladar]

Priest Reinstated!       
Written by Dave Palumbo     

Christmas came early for bodybuilding renegade, Lee Priest, when he received word that the IFBB had secretly met and voted 11-5 in favor of reinstatement. Why the IFBB changed their mind and voted to let Lee back in earlier than the original promised Olympia Weekend date is impossible to tell for sure.  One reason may be that the upcoming IFBB summer shows-- Houston, Tampa Bay, Europa, and Atlantic City-all have less than stellar lineups and Lee Priest is just the polarizing force that can breathe fresh life into a somewhat boring pre-Olympia season. Another possibility could be the addition of the Olympia 202 Showdown that will feature the best under 202 lb bodybuilders in the world. Without a celebrity name like Priest in that lineup, this inaugural event could wind being a one-time flop. 

Whatever the case, I'm sure Lee Priest feels like he's been given a new lease on life.  Let's just hope that he can duplicate his winning package of mass, symmetry, and conditioning that he displayed at the 2006 Ironman.

According to Lee, he plans to make his return to the stage at the 2008 Atlantic City Pro on lucky September 13th where, if all goes as planned, he'll once again qualify for the September 28th Mr Olympia contest in Las Vegas, NV.