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Numerous events took place over the last weekend - but the most talked about was the presence of the DEA throughout the Arnold Classic Expo and the shows that took place. I had heard that 3-4 agents would be in attendance observing and taking in the "goings on" of the weekend, as well as speaking with several informants who were to be in Columbus that weekend.
What I was not aware of was the fact that 70 subpoenas would be handed out to numerous athletes - male and female body builders - strongman and powerlifting athletes - all competing that weekend - as well as numerous athletes just attending the event.
Apparently the subpoenas started either late Thursday or early Friday before the shows. Many athletes admitted to receiving subpoenas, but just as many denied receiving them. These subpoenas supposedly are for the athletes to go in front of a grand jury in Des Moines, Iowa. Everyone was asking "why Des Moines" - this is apparently the location of the main office where the "lead" investigator is based. The subpoenas supposedly are stemming from a three year investigation.
Now, most of the athletes aren't in any real trouble as the agents are just looking for information. I think they are just wanting to speak with a lot of the athletes finding out certain details of events happening within the industry.
On Saturday night, upon returning from the men's finals, there were three to four Columbus police vehicles parked in front of the DoubleTree Hotel; one being a K-9 Unit and obviously there to help the DEA with the subpoenas. I went up to my floor and when I stepped out of the elevator there were about 5-6 uniformed officers and 3-4 DEA agents, and one K-9 officer and his dog a couple doors down from my room.
The athlete's room they were in front of was Mustafa Mohammed's - I guess he was probably one of the last to receive a subpoena. They were pretty determined as they probably waited about 2 1/2 hours outside of his room for his return.
Now, I think we can all figure out what type of information they are wanting. I think we can figure out there's a certain pro in California that is in trouble and they are obvioulsy wanting more info on this person to build a case against him. There appears to be 2-3 other individuals tied in with him that they are probably looking for information on as well. This is all easy to figure out.
The question I have is, how will the events that took place over the weekend effect the Arnold Classic Weekend for 2005? Are the athletes going to remember this and want to participate and go back again? Will they feel maybe Arnold's new status as Governor has brought some of this on? Especially maybe some of the foreign athletes - with certain things being legal in their country - why take the risk coming here when they are perfectly safe in their homelands? Remember - this happening wasn't limited to only body building - it included the strongmen and powerlifters - it could have a tremendous impact on the show for next year. Maybe this was the message the DEA was trying to send - if so, mission accomplished. It will be interesting to see what happens at future events and how this whole story unravels.
What I was not aware of was the fact that 70 subpoenas would be handed out to numerous athletes - male and female body builders - strongman and powerlifting athletes - all competing that weekend - as well as numerous athletes just attending the event.
Apparently the subpoenas started either late Thursday or early Friday before the shows. Many athletes admitted to receiving subpoenas, but just as many denied receiving them. These subpoenas supposedly are for the athletes to go in front of a grand jury in Des Moines, Iowa. Everyone was asking "why Des Moines" - this is apparently the location of the main office where the "lead" investigator is based. The subpoenas supposedly are stemming from a three year investigation.
Now, most of the athletes aren't in any real trouble as the agents are just looking for information. I think they are just wanting to speak with a lot of the athletes finding out certain details of events happening within the industry.
On Saturday night, upon returning from the men's finals, there were three to four Columbus police vehicles parked in front of the DoubleTree Hotel; one being a K-9 Unit and obviously there to help the DEA with the subpoenas. I went up to my floor and when I stepped out of the elevator there were about 5-6 uniformed officers and 3-4 DEA agents, and one K-9 officer and his dog a couple doors down from my room.
The athlete's room they were in front of was Mustafa Mohammed's - I guess he was probably one of the last to receive a subpoena. They were pretty determined as they probably waited about 2 1/2 hours outside of his room for his return.
Now, I think we can all figure out what type of information they are wanting. I think we can figure out there's a certain pro in California that is in trouble and they are obvioulsy wanting more info on this person to build a case against him. There appears to be 2-3 other individuals tied in with him that they are probably looking for information on as well. This is all easy to figure out.
The question I have is, how will the events that took place over the weekend effect the Arnold Classic Weekend for 2005? Are the athletes going to remember this and want to participate and go back again? Will they feel maybe Arnold's new status as Governor has brought some of this on? Especially maybe some of the foreign athletes - with certain things being legal in their country - why take the risk coming here when they are perfectly safe in their homelands? Remember - this happening wasn't limited to only body building - it included the strongmen and powerlifters - it could have a tremendous impact on the show for next year. Maybe this was the message the DEA was trying to send - if so, mission accomplished. It will be interesting to see what happens at future events and how this whole story unravels.
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