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With a $10,000 prize purse, the APF Mendelson Classic is one of the richest bench press competitions in the U.S. One would think that kind of money would draw benchers from around the country. However, reportedly only nine lifters competed on the stage at the Fit Expo. Most top benchers stayed away, many apparently in support of Rob Luyando.
Brad Heck indicates that he and BIG lifters Richie Briggs and Shawn Frankl boycotted the meet to support Luyando. Heck, "I agree with rob. and alot of lifters including myself. briggs, and frankl passed up this meet to back rob. It has nothing to do with ego. I think it has more to do with fair treatment and sticking by your word."
At issue was the prize money distribution. Luyando reports that he was initially told that there would be three weight classes, each with a $5,000 payout to the winner. Apparently, Mendelson then decided to only pay the Middleweight winner $1,000. Eventually, he went with two classes, paying $5,000 to the winner of each.
Luyando addresses the lifters who supported him, "thanks to all the guys that supported me by not doing this meet to make a point! Scotty I love you bro but your ego has go the best of you in more than one way!"
After what has occured this year, can the damage be repaired? Can the Mendelson Classic retain its place among the top bench press competitions in the country?
Brad Heck indicates that he and BIG lifters Richie Briggs and Shawn Frankl boycotted the meet to support Luyando. Heck, "I agree with rob. and alot of lifters including myself. briggs, and frankl passed up this meet to back rob. It has nothing to do with ego. I think it has more to do with fair treatment and sticking by your word."
At issue was the prize money distribution. Luyando reports that he was initially told that there would be three weight classes, each with a $5,000 payout to the winner. Apparently, Mendelson then decided to only pay the Middleweight winner $1,000. Eventually, he went with two classes, paying $5,000 to the winner of each.
Luyando addresses the lifters who supported him, "thanks to all the guys that supported me by not doing this meet to make a point! Scotty I love you bro but your ego has go the best of you in more than one way!"
After what has occured this year, can the damage be repaired? Can the Mendelson Classic retain its place among the top bench press competitions in the country?
