Mindi Smith Axed from FMG
Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending Lee Thompson and Tres Bennett's NPC Jr. USA here in Houston, Texas. During the show I heard a rumor that Mindi Smith (winner of the 2010 IFBB Phoenix Pro Figure this past February) had recently been suspended and would not be allowed to compete in the upcoming Ms. Figure Olympia. Photographer, Comic book aficionado, and Mindi's agent, J.M. Manion was in attendance shooting the show, so I figured who better to ask! J.M. sat his tukhus down right next to me and explained that Mindi had not been suspended, but actually had been dropped by FMG (Fitness Management Group), which he and his wife, Debra, own and operate. I wanted to be sure to get the scoop for you, dear reader, so I delved deeper. Why had she been dropped from her contract? J.M. explained that
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| JM Manion |
FMG doesn't take any of their athletes' prize money but simply takes a percentage of their photo shoot work and endorsement money. When a girl signs a contract with FMG they agree to run all potential deals and work through J.M. and Debbie. He requires this not only to make sure FMG is getting the proper representation fee, but also to make sure his athletes get the best deal possible, and are paid what they are worth for their image and their work. Apparently, in the past, Mindi had done outside work (without informing FMG) and had been warned that it was a breach of her contract. Just recently, J.M. caught her shooting (and getting paid for) an equipment sales catalog. Once again she didn't run this through FMG; yet a 2nd breach of her contract. J.M. explained to me that all his girls sign the exact same contract! It doesn't matter if they're a Ms. O or a NPC up-and-comer. By not informing JM of her side deal, she was basically stealing from FMG. On top of that, in JM's opinion, she wasn't paid nearly what she was worth. Had she only let J.M. negotiate the deal, she would have certainly made more money and never violated the contract in the first place.
King Kamali Returns to the Stage?!
I was surfing through the various bodybuilding bulletin boards, as I often do, when I noticed a thread
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| King Kamali at claimed 300+lb |
regarding a King Kamali comeback. I've
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| King Kamali at a claimed 285lb |
seen a bunch of this kibitzing (gossip talk) ever since Kamali's last show at the IFBB Ironman in 2008, but you never can tell if it's B.S. or the real deal. I clicked on the thread and found some current pictures of King at a lean 289lbs. A few months ago I saw some pictures of him at a claimed 300+lbs and, it's obvious from the new photos, he's been dieting and taking his training and nutrition to a higher level. Kamali and I had exchanged emails before, so I decided to contact him and ask what what's up and what his plans were for a possible return to the stage. This was his reply:
"No goal right now Aaron.. Just a redirected mission. I can't answer your question until I see the 2011 IFBB schedule. I am getting back to basics for a different reason.. I will make that announcement soon and it has nothing to do with the IFBB.
I hope you are well.. Be safe and God Bless."
I wonder what the announcement is? If I had to bet, I'd guess it has something to do with his nutritional supplement line, but who knows? Personally, I hope King does decide to get back onstage! We could use some Kamali style excitement back in pro bodybuilding! Imagine a Kamali vs Ben White rivalry?... It would be classic!
Kai Greene: The Next Mr. Olympia?
The hype train has started full force, and if you believe it, Kai Greene practically has this Olympia locked up! Since joining Weider/AMI, Kai's already rising star has risen further. If he wasn't the heir apparent before, he certainly is now. Realistically, come September 25th, he's got some serious obstacles to overcome in the form of Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, Branch Warren, and Victor Martinez... Just to name a few. If the 16-days out photos that FLEX recently released are any sign of what Kai will bring to the Olympia stage, then there very well might be a new Mr. O come the end of the month. If, however, Jay Cutler comes in at 100% will his incredibly gifted shoulder width be enough to win him yet a 4th Sandow? Or will the MD (Muscular Development) Curse strike yet again? MD Curse, you ask? It's a fact that no athlete has ever won the Mr. Olympia while under contract with MD (both Jay and Dexter left MD before procuring their Mr Olympia wins). Is the MD curse for real? We will find out in just a few short weeks.
That's all the gossip that fit to print! Until next time, this is the Yuckmouth Yenta signing off! Shalom!
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