I need to get something off my chest (call it a rant) in regards to an announcement made by Lee Thompson last week. Lee WAS the NPC Chairman of the state of Texas and arguably the most successful NPC branch in the organization.
Lee announced that he would be making a clean break from the NPC in an effort to launch his own Federation-NPC Global.
He stated that his purpose for relinquishing his post as the presiding officer of the NPC of Texas was due in part to a conflict between him and the NPC leaders regarding the direction of our sport. Which seems to have included how athletes should be compensated for their efforts.
In fact, his entire video message had one overarching theme that promoted the importance of the athletes receiving just compensation for their likeness and participation. Lee also added that the focus no longer should be about the promoters but rather on the athlete’s overall well-being.
It was a great message in theory but in truth it was painfully insincere. At least that’s how I see it.
What You Do Speaks So Loudly I Can’t Hear What You Say!
You see I believe that what you do speaks louder than what you have to say, and Lee’s words simply do not line up with his actions.
Lee’s soapbox announcement (see video above) was strategically executed during the week of the Olympia our Super Bowl event.
And in my opinion, the week leading up to the Olympia is a time for athletes and fans alike to celebrate and revere the accomplishments of the select few athletes who reached the pinnacle of our sport. NOT for a promoter to deflect the show’s attention to ascend their personal and business agenda!
In short, Lee attempted to hijack the attention from the Olympia and Olympia Athletes, where it rightfully should have been, and place it on himself!
Some would say that Lee’s strategy is great marketing and public relations(PR), and frankly I would agree with that point if his message and actions were congruent!
But they are not!
You see when your PR message is about lifting up and caring for the athletes then why cast a shadow of drama over the most important event many of these athletes will ever experience? Why steal their moment to shine in an effort to promote your personal and business agenda?
These athletes have worked their butts off to reach the pinnacle of our sport only to have to take a back seat to another promoter planning their next big money grab!
Look I have no issues with Lee trying to make a living by leveraging his business vision. But in the process show some respect to the people, athletes and organizations that help you get to a place in your career where you can take that next step.
It’s okay to disagree with the NPC on the direction of the sport, and if you want to promote a vision that you feel will serve the greater good then more power to you! After all capitalism is all about building a better mousetrap, competing and then allowing the marketplace decide who’s better.
But do it with a level of class and integrity!
Extend some respect and gratitude to an organization that for over 16 years provided you with the platform to build your brand and authority. The REAL NPC!
It’s real simple for me. When you spin off the name of your old employer (NPC VS NPC Global). And steal a once in a lifetime moment from the very athletes you intend to protect, well that in my world does not add up. No matter how many slick videos you produce!
I Bleed NPC and Rock The IFBB! 🙂
As for me, I cut my teeth in the NPC and today proudly call myself an IFBB PRO. I owe a lot to both of these organizations for extending me the opportunity to not only do something I love but to also make my living through it as well. And for that I say thank you to all the people that have helped and encourage me along the way.
From NPC to IFBB-The Day I Won my PRO Card! 🙂
No, the NPC is not perfect but they are perfect for me, and that’s all I have to say about that!
         Questions? Comments? Let me know in the comments section.Thanks!
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Shawn Wow….you article “NPC Born-NPC Bred-NPC Until The Day I am Dead”….rang so true. His action’s had no disregard for the competitors during the Olympia Weekend.
The overwhelming amount of emails that Betty & I have received proves this is a family that sticks to together in the common love for the NPC/IFBB.
Thank you for speaking up. Ed & Betty Pariso
Thank you, Ed. I am happy to see that NPC Texas is NOW in the capable hands of people who are committed to growing the NPC in the right direction.Both you and Betty are a class act.:)
Shawn, I have heard so many spins on this Lee Thompson story but I must say yours is as insightful as it gets. You could not have articulated it any better. Have you ever thought about writing editorials for a newspaper? Because you nailed it in a way that made me side with you when at first I was neutral about the whole thing.Touche’
Thanks, Renee I am just calling it as I see it. In fact as far as I know Lee can be the nicest guy around, I don’t know him, but regardless the way he handled this particular situation lacked class in my opinion.No writing career for me–lol. I love what I do!:)
Great article and a very interesting and true perspective! I will bleed NPC and hopefully IFBB forever as well! I am proud to be involved in everything from competing to judging and more in the MOST prestigious and competitive league!
Thanks, Danyelle and I agree. Every athlete that enjoys the thrill of competition wants to compete against the best. And when it comes to Physique competitions there is no better League and Federation than the NPC and IFBB.