Hi Everyone,
Please note that I am not an unreasonable person who refuses to admit when he has made a mistake.
After much soul searching, I have decided to pull this article – originally titled:
“Steroid Use Amongst MMA Fighters: Losing Respect by the Day”
It was harsh, judgmental and poorly written. I can see that now.
My only excuse for lashing out the way that I did is that I am beyond frustrated and really starting to lose all hope that the problems associated with steroids in our culture are much larger and much more serious than anyone is willing to admit (or realizes).
Or cares!!!
My only true concern is for the kids that I coach (and all young, aspiring athletes in general). If given a simple choice, children would never want to take steroids as a professional athlete, but you and I both know that this is not the world we currently live in.
As mentioned in Message From James Ryan: Something that I struggle with as a parent and as a coach is the issue of steroids and the place that they currently have in sports (and our society). It breaks my heart to think that the kids that I coach will be faced with this issue in the next few years. A true moral dilemma – and one that I hope to be able to help them with.
As such, I will be launching a new series on my website dedicated specifically to the challenges and problems that our society and youth are faced with. My hope is to deter as many children away from steroid use as possible.
My greater hope is to help an entire generation of athletes.
Will it make a difference? One kid at a time is a great place to start.
Any help beyond that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Coach James
Please read: Anabolic Steroids: An Olympic-Sized Impression
Also: Anabolic Steroids: A Quick Lesson in Morality and Ethics
.
For more information on the difficulties of steroid testing, please visit:
http://boxing.nv.gov/Hot%20Topics/NACMemoReDrugTesting.pdf
For more information on the harmful effects of steroid use, please visit:
http://boxing.nv.gov/Hot%20Topics/SteroidsinCombatSports4-09.pdf
Hi Everyone,
This article can also be found on the Bleacher Report: Is Kimbo Slice on the Juice?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/263845-is-ki…
Please check it out – particularly, check out the comments LOL. I took a lot of heat for this article, but I believe strongly in the freedom to express my opinions. 'Steroids' are such a touchy subject and not a lot of writers are willing to discuss certain problems.
Before you check it out, please note that I changed the article slightly. Not because I felt that I did anything wrong, but because I felt that it was becoming too much of a focal point and removing attention from the main points of the article.
What did I remove? The introduction:
“All of this hype about Kimbo Slice has me asking one question only. Should we all just ignore the fact that Kimbo is “most likely” on steroids?
Of course, albeit plausible, this is a complete speculation on my part and I have no real proof whatsoever, but after working in the fitness industry for over 20 years, I feel extremely confident in suggesting that it is a genuine possibility.
In fact, if he's not, I will eat my hat. I will even video tape myself and post it on YouTube for all to see.”
LOL
Okay, a bit harsh, but I contest and stand firm that I was in no way saying that he was “for sure” on steroids. After reading the article, you can perhaps understand why I may have suspicions.
Some of my favourite comment quotes are:
“wow, i've been reading b/r for a while. some stuff i agree with, some i dont… but this is the first time i've seen something so rediculously ignorant i actually felt liek registering to reply.”
“steroids are safer than just about any over the counter medications”
“This is one of the dumbest things I've ever read”
“Looking forward to your Youtube video”
“If I called you raciest, don't you think that would negatively affect your career in writing, or as football coach.”
“Im flabbergasted that this is still posted here on BR. It not only discredits the athlete, but the site as well. I think this is a very risky article to post.”
“We all have our opinons and unique delivery, that is what makes BR so great. You went a bit deeper into risky territory than many of us would have but that is your choice. Good for you standing by what is your opinion and perception.”
“You certainly seem to know your stuff, James”
“Thanks for the kind words James, Im looking foward to reading your next article – God Bless”
Please enjoy!!!!!!
JR
it makes sense tho because why would most of the fighters be able to do what they do without it, some of those guys are bums so where would they get there mass
wow
EAT MY HAT. lol
Awesome post Jamie…bugs me too…To each their own when it comes to juicing but it sickens me when guys insult your intelligence by saying they gained 30 lbs in a month by eating more tuna…Anyone can train for performance and get their natural GH flowing through their body without that shit…shorter, intense workouts that incorporate big muscle movements. Maybe if more guys deadlifted, they wouldn't feel the need to shoot up. Its the most overlooked but best muscle builder out there..I put on 7 lbs in 2 months just from adding it and doing nothing else a couple years back…the steroid subject fires me up so I'll quit now.
Thanks Doug. As always, you have great insight into fitness and weight training. You have done an excellent job in making this your career. Congrats!!
Also, you have inspired me to start deadlifting
Thanks again.
good stuff James…I was hoping that MMA was cleaner than what you're saying it is. Playing the devils advocate for a second here…I suppose steroids is the way to go if you want the best performance possible from athletes to achieve success…however I would like to see a fairer playing field myself. Like you I agree that it's cheating and cowardly. Thanks for the info James…3T
Hey James, thanks for commenting on my blog….
I am definitely not a fan of steroids.
My ex used to take them b.c he thought he had to prove to the world how strong and tough he was. All the while, he was a douche bag to me.
Well I like reading your stuff….good points. Vote me a 10 on http://www.clix4me.com/users/pamelaxue
Nice article man. Obviously there is an unfair advantage if one athlete is on steroids and the other isn't. Albeit some fighters like silva and GSP wouldn't have a problem handling one. For the record though you can't always be 100% certain. Yes, it seems very likely that Kimbo is on something but maybe he is a freak of nature that trains hard. (He has been that size for a long time). Also, Brock Lesnar is speculated about a lot but I agree with him by saying that he isn't on anything. His training regime is very hard for a man of his size.
One last point.
Creatine works. Sorry dude it may not have worked for you or some of your mates might not think it works but it is definately proven that it enhances muscle growth and recovery. As other wise simply, it would not sell.
Hi “Name”
Thanks for commenting. My only beef with creatine is that the results seem too short-lived.
If you have had any results to the contrary, I would be interested in your process for taking it. If I'm wrong, I'd like to know why.
Thanks again.
Cheers
Check this out!! It's totally disgusting:
http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://me…
Your writing skills are pretty awful. Instead of spending 21-years in gyms and er.. bars, you should have spent one year in school learning English and how to use it effectively.
Ouch! LOL
Maybe I should become a truck driver or a warehouse worker for my Daddy's business instead? Then again, that's not an option for guys like me
Gee Roger, if I didn't know better, I'd think that I struck a nerve….
My hobbies and passions are just a portion of who I am. Please feel free to click on the link below to learn more about me and my experiences.
Thanks for the read, even if it wasn't remotely constructive
http://mrjamesryan.com/about-james/
Go Ravens!!!
Roger,
Thinking more about your comment, there is always some truth to what people say, even if they don't always say it in the friendliest of ways. As such, you were correct – it was pretty bad and warranted a rewrite.
This was one of my very first articles written and I am proud to say that I have been improving quite a bit over the past few months. You have inspired me, not only to revise this article, but all of my original works as well.
Thank you sincerely,
James Ryan
I doubt Kimbo would be on steriods, seems like he's been bulking up for years and finally cut down to 230 before TUF. As for that BMI stuff, most black athletes don't fit in that system. Vernon Davis would be considered obese at 6'3 250 lbs, but he's hella ripped.
Thanks Jeff.
I did a bit of “googling” and this is what I was able to come across:
Racial BMI Differences
Abstract
“Body-composition methodologies rely on assumptions that are not constant across ethnic groups. The consequence is that the methods used need to be population specific to guarantee unbiased conclusions. Alternatively, assumption-free methods such as chemical multiple-compartment models or scanning techniques should be used. Adequate and unbiased scientific data on body fat among ethnic population groups are necessary for a better understanding of the aetiology of obesity and its co-morbidities. The World Health Organization cut-off points for underweight, overweight, obesity and fat distribution, now universally defined, may need revision because the relationship between body mass index and body composition, and between indices of fat distribution and the actual amount of visceral fat, differ across ethnic groups. The need for ethnically specific cut-off points for obesity and fat distribution is substantiated, for example, by elevated disease risks at low levels of body mass index in several populations. Properly designed and conducted studies are needed to obtain unbiased information on these topics.”
Doesn't sound very conclusive, but I would tend to agree with you. Also, I've never been a strong believer in the BMI as an “end-all-be-all” form of measurement (as stated above).
Thanks for the input though. Hope you enjoyed the read.
Cheers
I think the system implemented by the athletic commissions in various states does seem to be working to an extent, Barnett(more than once), Sherk. I do agree there is a detrimental effect on all of sports due to this saddening problem. I am a hardcore baseball fan and your comparison is spot on. Ive watched guys that lived and functioned in an accepted culture 15 years ago get crucified today for their actions then. Some didnt learn, most did. So is it more of a moral issue or a legal issue in certain sports? Then it was moral, now its straight illegal in most sports and really can truly be considered outright cheating. I think the problem is with (in baseballs case) the sense of “rights” athletes have to compete without relentless unbiased testing. I for one think if you make a dime playing a friggin game, you should be more than happy to take as many tests daily as they deem necessary for the sport you are forunate enough to play for a living to maintain its integrity. After all, if I cheat at my job they run my ass out the door. Im in finance, if I get caught cheating I talk to the FBI. Why should their “right” as players be above the sport itself. AND IF YOUR NOT CHEATING WHY AVOID THE ISSUE? The baseball players union is a joke in that aspect. Trying to limit the exposure to outright indefinate testing to protect the players, give me a break. Not all that relates you your article but if a sport like Baseball can be brought to its knees, MMA had better take note. I dont have any personal attacks for certain fighters, but I think the message should be read clearly on the wall. JUST SAY NO! If your good enough youll make it, if your not you wont. But the last thing a fighter wants in their career is to actually make it to the top only to be brought crashing down over questionable tactics to make there.
In this day and age, testing should be done constantly and randomly. The ones who aren't cheating should simply welcome it as an opportunity to prove their honesty.
When Lance Armstrong was in the TdeF this year, he was subject to this exact sort of thing and he passed with flying colours. I followed him on facebook throughout the race and it really didn't seem to bother him any. Without the testing, the media would still be ranting about how he cheated by taking PED's.
Testing can exhonorate as well as condemn.
BUT are we too far gone at this point? That's my biggest concern. Too much at stake. Fame, Money, etc.
Perhaps I will write about the pain/pleasure principle LOL
Thanks Todd. Hope you liked this article better than the last time
Nice article but I see the standard BMI chart as a crock of shit.
No two bodies are exactly alike and the respond to physical activity differently. There are people in this world who are simply more genetically pre-disposed to have greater muscle mass and others who are not.
It’s all about genetics, metabolism, and the work you put in.
I agree that it is a bit of a crock and as such, it is merely meant as a guide or framework. I don't think that anyone would agree that it is to be interpreted an being completely accurate.
However, I also believe it to be somewhat true (within reason of course) but that doesn't mean that the results couldn't fluctuate from person to person (again…within reason).
Thanks Robert
You are bang on! You go ahead and be the purist and optimist – the world needs people like you … I am a realist … and I enjoy watching real sports with athletes that will do whatever it takes to win – whether you feel it is real or not … it is after all entertainment!
Jon
Hey Jon,
It just breaks my heart too much to admit that you are right, but deep down I know you are. And that's my point with the article. No one cares. At least, not enough to try to do anything about it.
You are not alone that's for sure.
The problem with the current testing system is that they still cannot detect HGH abuse. You either have to be caught with it (like Stallone and Kurt Angle were), or your name has to be on the list of a major steroid-dealing pharmacy bust in Hollywood, FL (like multiple WWE, football, baseball, boxing, and MMA stars—including Couture), or it really can't be proven.
HGH use is only detectable by noting supranormal levels of IGF-1 in the body…and this is nearly impossible since the elevation in IGF-1 from HGH injections only lasts roughly 20 minutes…
So basically, I would have to say that pretty much EVERY professional athlete is SUSPECT for the use of performance enhancing substances. They are all just getting smarter about it and using HGH instead of testosterone based products which are easily detectable.
I would “speculate” that the increased HGH use is why we see this change over the past 20 years from the “blown up” looking athletes who were using testosterone and “D-Bol” to get the “bulked up” look…to now having all of these HUGE, RIPPED, lean looking guys (which is EXACTLY what HGH does).
My struggle with all of this is that I'm not sure if it is unfair (since pretty much all of them are probably using at some point or another). HGH (unlike other steroids) does give a person true, lasting gains in lean muscle mass, strength, and decreased body fat. That is certainly an advantage in sports with weight classes. Given that I would suspect the majority of the guys are using it, I can't decide if I would call it an “unfair” advantage or not? It is illegal, it is unethical, and it takes away from the greatness of the “pure, natural athlete” (such as Fedor). Given that such a high percentage of these guys are MOST LIKELY using it, I can't say it is truly “unfair”?
What you say is absolutely true about gains in lean muscle mass. I have been weightlifting naturally since high school, and I can tell you that anything I've ever read and seen says it is pretty much IMPOSSIBLE to naturally gain more than 6-7lbs. of lean muscle mass per year…and 1-2 is much more likely the longer you have been lifting weights (as you are no longer getting the “body shocking” growth effects). Doing squats is reported to naturally increase your own levels of HGH and testosterone, but how many people can continue doing squats (with heavy weights) into their late 20's and onward? Not many.
Nice article…
cool article dude. I agree with the point your making. I also think there is more to the story here in some cases. as far as fitness you know your stuff. I think alot has to do with genetics,geographic history, and diet over extended peiods of time. the bmi will not likely cover all people as was mentioned already.
If you feel MMA won't go beyond the current level of respectability because of steroids, what do you have to say about steroids in baseball, which during its peak usage (and with a high level of public awareness) barely lost its popularity?
Hi Gilbert,
Good question. Perhaps it’s better answered in another article LOL (which I may do). So to answer your question simply:
I think that sports fans prefer not to think about the steroid problem until they are forced to, like when positive drug testing surfaces (or from an article like this one). It’s a denial issue.
I think that if people really knew just how popular and obtainable PED’s were, they would be shocked.
They are everywhere. I could go down to our local gym right now and get some if I were so inclined. No exaggeration needed (unfortunately).
It's hard to compare MMA to baseball because one is trying to grow in popularity and the other has a long and storied history.
Baseball has also done a very good job of crucifying its one time money-making stars and treating them as though they are the problem, instead of acknowledging that it is a universal problem that exists not just in baseball, but in all sports.
If baseball hasn’t lost any popularity it’s only because they have done an excellent job of hanging their players out to dry. They distance themselves and claim no responsibility. The Jose Canseco documentary is really sad. He did so much for the sport and they knew he was on steroids. Then, when the media and fan pressure erupted, baseball black-balled Jose and washed their hands of him. They shunned him. Think what you want of Canseco, the guy was betrayed long before he ever betrayed baseball.
MMA is trying to grow and if you read my article about the use of intimidation, perhaps you will then understand why there is far less room for error and mistakes in a sport like MMA. It’s an image problem at this point.
http://mrjamesryan.com/2009/10/17/insert-intimi…
Thanks for the read and the question.
Cheers
I also want to ask what you think of another theory a buddy of mine was talking about. I have heard of it else where but think that it may be dis proved. my bud was saying that the cattle farmers and other food producers that use the juice to beef up the animals may be giving us a little pick me up also through the food chain. he says that boys and girls seem to be developing earlier and becoming larger. whats your thought on this?
I believe enough in that “you are what you eat” that I will no longer eat any fish that I catch out of Lake Erie. LOL
I have also heard that before with regards to beef and chicken and I’m not totally convinced that chemicals and hormones can be passed on through ingestion. Then again, I wouldn’t be surprised either. It certainly makes sense that it could make a difference. Everything that we put in our bodies affects us in some way.
With that being said, I had the best 12 oz. AAA Alberta Beef steak the other night!!
It was delicious!! 
haha
Good point Gary. Thanks.
Something else to consider (a bit unrelated) is that I once heard that studies have shown that people who eat asparagus might have a lesser chance of getting cancer. I have a problem with this.
First of all, the word “might” sounds pretty inconclusive. The statement clearly “implies” that if you eat asparagus, you will not get cancer. The next day, what shoots up in the stock market? You guessed it – asparagus!
Also, you never really get the full picture. Maybe people who eat asparagus are more health conscious in general and as such, they don’t smoke. Maybe they exercise regularly. Maybe they also have many others commonalities in their diets which can be attributed to healthy living.
There’s just so much about nutrition that we don’t understand. Don't even get me started on the food pyramid!!! LOL
How many diet and nutrition plans are available? Hundreds? Thousands? What do they all have in common? They all claim to work when the others don’t.
When everyone claims to have the “answer”, that just tells me that “no one” has the answer.
The best nutritional advice I ever received was this:
Eat foods from around the grocery store (fresh meat, fruits, veggies, dairy). Stay away from the centre isles (boxed/canned/processed).
Nice stuff.
I've got mixed feelings about performance enhancing substances. As far as general living is concerned, I think I agree with you that to each his own.
As for PEDs in sports, the issue becomes one of where to draw the line of what is and what is not allowable. I don't know a lot about supplements, but I do know that there are a lot of them out there that are not only allowed, but are endorsed by major sports leagues.
Everybody is always looking for a competitive edge, as we see in weight cutting, equipment advances, hyperbaric chambers, etc, so I'm not sure what I actually disagree with.
I've heard some people argue that the line should be one conscious of the health risks involved in taking specific PEDs, but some PEDs are banned even if they have no proven health risks.
Obviously the line needs to be drawn somewhere, because we seem to be blurring the line between man and machine, but it's definitely a complicated question.
I just read your article about steroid use and MMA fighters. The article with particular focus on Kimbo Slice. I was entertained and honestly slightly offended.
I find the presumption that a man 6'2″ tall with little body fat and works out should weight 180 lbs. You are correct that the 'recommended' body weight for someone of that height may be in that ball park. Without doing the research I would tend to think the actually recommended weight for that height to be closer to 200 lbs., however that is beside the point.
I consider your article irresponsible. Someone 6'2″ tall and worksout could easily weigh between 220-260 lbs. with little body fat. I will use myself for an example. I am shorter than Kimbo, I am 6'1″ and I currently weigh 238 lbs. The last time I checked my body fat content it was somewhere around 14%. I would estimate Kimbo to be somewhere 7-9%. I workout 4-5 times a week, with a mixture of heavy weight training and cardio work. I take protein shakes, and try to eat less than 2,000 calories a day. I have never taken a steroid or even seen a steroid. My weight is down from a high of 256 lbs. and even at that weight I was not a fat person. At that time my body fat was around 21%. I do not consider myself to be abormal by any means of the word. There are several guys at the gym who are larger and weigh more than I do while at the same time having less body fat. I can't prove that they aren't taking steroids but they seem like honest guys and they work very hard.
Your article almost seems to say that just because you max out at 175 lbs. others should too. I would consider you a very slim individual. If I weighed the 180 lbs. and 6'1″ tall, I would be a very skinny indivual. That would require me to weigh more than 50 lbs. less than I do now and loss virtually all my muscle mass.
Aside from the accusation that it would be difficult for someone to be 6'2″ and weigh 230 lbs. of mostly muscle, the problem with your article is that it essentially makes accusations that all MMA fighters take steroids even though you try to deny this in the article. The accusation and the attention is unwarranted. None of the fighters you listed have tested postive, to my knowledge, for steroids. I consider your accusation that someone like Kimbo is likely taking steroids is to be based out of jealousy than any real facts. And for that reason, it is irresponsible. You have no facts, only some more logic based on government health data. Please do your research and don't make wild accusations in the future before posting articles. I doubt my email will make any difference but I felt the need to express my opinion regardless.
Thank You.
Hi Jay,
First let me just say that I really do appreciate that you have taken the time to express your concerns in such a constructive and positive way. Most people either wouldn't take the time or would simply tell me that I suck and then move on
Anyway, thank you.
Second, I would like to appolgize to you for any offence that I may have caused. It certainly was not my intent.
I read through your email twice just to be certain that I could address the issues that you have raised in a way that hopefully clears up any misunderstanding. With that being said however, I can not guarantee that you will like my answers.
I have essentially “grown up” in the fitness industry and I am quite aware that it is possible to be a large man and not be on steroids. Not everyone who is big is automatically on the juice.
My mentioning of the BMI was a reference of an actual system that is still used by the medical community, just to add contrast. I agree that it is not a relaible system to be used in all cases. It is simply a guide or a framework that can be used, but as mentioned in the article, it can be a flawed system.
Before I read your email, I was actually in the process of adding a bit of context to my experiences (to add to the article). It is currently being looked at by the editor's. I plan on adding it in a bit later tonight. The only difference that will make is in getting my readers to better understand my perspective.
I would have to respectfully disagree that I am accusing “all” MMA fighters of using steroids. In fact, it couldn't be more opposite. I have clearly stated that based on many determining factors, it would make sense that people could view certain athletes as being “suspicious”. At no point did I ever say that any of these athletes were in fact using PED's.
As a writer, I present information and fact (such as how the BMI scale works). It's up to the readers to then make their own judgements.
The issue of whether or not Kimbo Slice is on steroids is not a new topic. These questions are flooded throughout the internet and the rumours exist. Couture and Lesnar both have been linked directly to the use of HGH (which I made no mention of in my article). I'm not out to get these guys and I do not believe that I am being irresponsible for asking tough questions.
Irresponsible (and unethical) behaviour would be stating their involvement in PED's as a matter of fact (which again, with reference to HGH, it is), when in reality, I would have no proof supporting this belief (on steroids at least). That would be slanderous. In no way, was my article slanderous. You may think that I'm splitting hairs here, but it makes a huge difference.
Lastly, at the age of 36, I am currently in the best shape of my life and I have no disputes over my current levels of health, fitness or muscle mass, so contrary to what you may believe, there is no personal agenda attached to my article (such as jealousy). My biggest problem is that I know it's happening and people would sooner make excuses and pretend that it's not happening, than discuss it.
Steroid abuse is a reality in our society – and not one that I have created. Professional athletes should be accountable in this day and age whether they are guity or not.
Lance Armstrong has been under a tremendous amount of suspicion over the past decade. Compared to what he has had to endure, my article is of no consequence to the men that I mentioned. In fact, this past TdeF, I followed Lance on facebook. He was subject to a rediculous amount of testing and he passed all of them. What impressed me the most was that he didn't even really seem to mind that much. If anything, it exhonorated him.
The way I see it, being a pro athlete these days, you have to expect that people will wonder – and I'm sure they do. Do you honestly believe that Brock or Kimbo have never been asked about taking steroids? Of course they have. Why? Because these days, everyone is suspect. Passing a drug test means very little.
In the future Jay, please don't take these discussions too personally. You sound like one of the good guys.
Cheers and thanks again.
James
<img src=”http://i47.tinypic.com/2ni3a1k.jpg” border=”0″ alt=”Image and video hosting by TinyPic”>
This guy put my article on his website along with my picture, saying that I am the reason why there are witch hunts over drug in sports. Oh…but I'm sure he's clean.
All this proves is that I'm pissing off the right people.
STEROIDS ARE A PROBLEM AND IT WON'T GET ANY BETTER WHILE GUYS LIKE THIS ARE AROUND.
Thanks Dave Palumbo, NY Bodybuilder.
http://www.davepalumbo.com/
Anyone with half a brain can tell that your angle (with this article) is in sports, unnatural and unfair advantages. Not body building or personal use.
You even admit that the BMI process is flawed, so not sure why people would be jumping all over you just for mentioning it as a reference point? It's not like you invented it.
You are right when you say that steroids are becoming too much of a problem in our society. Good for you for speaking your mind and telling it like it is Coach James. I can see that your motivation comes from protecting the best interests of your young players and a new generation of young athletes.
Who gives a crap about some roided out 42 year old body builder?
Hi Pete,
I appreciate your support, but after much thought I have decided to pull this article (explanation above).
If I'm actually going to take on the seriousness of this issue, I'm going to have to do it the right way and not in a way that is nothing but a lashed out version of vented frustration, which only destroys my own credibility.
Thanks again and please check back in “The Coach” section over the next few weeks.
Have a great day!
James
Someone is impersonating me on your site. Please remove!
Hi Dave,
Not sure how they are impersonating you? I will look into it and if they are, I will certainly remove it.
Can you please explain how I ended up on your website?
Perhaps someone is impersonating you on this site as well?
Thanks
James
I wrote that because I don't believe what you said in that article is creating an accurate picture……….those were MY WORDS…………..however, I do respect you for having the guts to voice your opinion……freedom of speech is paramount in society!
Dave,
I appreciate that and I also appreciate the fact that my error was brought to my attention. I could defend my position that I agreed that the BMI is a flawed system (as stated in the article), but it just made more sense to take it out entirely.
I then had to ask myself, “what was the point of the article?” and I also agreed that it was not very well written, based on my intention which was to simply point out that steroids should not have a place in competitive sport – which obviously they do.
…and speaking of intention, I meant no disrespect to the masses (I have a lot of friends who also take steroids or have tried them in the past). I guess when I was writing it, I had a certain “image” or “person” in mind. That was unfair and I spoke out of complete frustration. Not all people who take steroids are bad people.
What I did not appreciate Dave, was being included on your website without any opportunity to defend myself or my opinions.
How would you like to be the “poster boy” on my website for steroid abuse and all of the problems in our society that come as a result of steroids?? Would you like that? Would that affect your career as a legitimate and professional bodybuilder? (probably not) I have a lot of kids and students that visit my site quite regularly. Your name and image could become synonymous with “Steroid Abuse!” You could become famous! (for all of the wrong reasons unfortunately)
That's not what I what to do Dave, but what do you think is fair here? How would you respond? (I am open to suggestions)
I suppose I should be thanking you Dave. You (and your followers) have inspired me to take my opinions and turn them into something that can hopefully help and inspire. Thank you for the added motivation.
James
ps I do have guts!! Not many people are willing to tackle this problem, but my motivation does not stem from jealousy (as implied). It is much stronger than that. It stems from helping our future generation – sounds corny, but it's the truth. No amount of name calling, threats or public scrutiny (intimidation) will stop me from doing and saying what I think is right.
Assuming that you agree with my message and the deterring information that I wish to put forward to young athletes (please tell me that you honestly do not think that it is a good idea for some teenager to be sticking “God-knows-what?” in his ass), then I would welcome your input on my site. You wouldn't have to agree with my opinions, but I see nothing wrong with a little bit of education and varied perspective.
Your help and voice would be valued.
Thanks Dave.
Point well taken………….. wanna come on my radio show and defend your point?
Hi Dave,
That certainly is an interesting idea… let me think about it.
I'm working on a few new articles right now. Would it be alright if I sent them to you for your input once they are completed?
Thanks
James
sure!
Coach James;;
First let me say that I am a big believer in first impressions. When I originally read this article I must admit that I thought that you were an idiot, but after reading through some of your other articles, your bio and the comments throughout this article, I have to admit that you are a good guy.
Keep up the great work. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and I applaud your efforts to help your players
LOL Thanks Truth, glad that I could turn you around
Please check back regularly as I typically have new articles posted every couple of days or so.
Cheers and thank you
James
Please give this a read. Sounds like a step in the right direction at least…
http://mrjamesryan.com/2009/12/02/world-anti-do…
Check out my article entitled: Anabolic Steroids: An Olympic-sized Impression
http://mrjamesryan.com/2009/12/07/anabolic-ster…