Knoxville, TN Metro Pulse news article featuring Jess and I

[pumpputnam]

Hey Guys,
I wanted to share an article that recently came out here in Knoxville highlighting the sport of bodybuilding both nationally and locally. Figure was also thrown in. Here's the deal... WHEN IS THE MEDIA EVER GOING TO GET DETAILS CORRECT? HOW HARD IS IT TO HONESTLY QUOTE SOMEONE? They are alway trying to create a story!
Visit, www.metropulse.com/articles/2006/16_03/gamut.shtml
Jessica and wanted to share this with you. If anything it is an interesting read. It wasn't a bad article but much information was left out and other information was at best very misleading. I will share the corrections after you guys read it. Wait until Jess chimes in...
I never said I was a pro by the way. NEVER! So take a look and post your comments and I will reply later with the errors contained. BTW... There maybe someone reading this locally that has issues with me(I am receiving e-mails from local people mad about the article saying, "I was a pro"). GET OVER IT! There is one local person out there who has it out for me. To you I say, your an idot and so far off base that it has become quite the joke in certain circles.
Guys, I know he reads as a guest here so that is why I am posting that comment. What are your thoughts on this fellows? Why do local folks, people in your community, in the gym tend to be the biggest haters?

 

[JessFit]

I am so mad

When I read the article and came to the part where it says something like, "Paxson Hypothosizes that it was her pretty face and her curves that earned her her pro card. . . some woman are using steriods". . .My face turned bright red and I almost started crying. I NEVER said that! The reporter asked about the criteria for figure and I said that figure is a shape game first and formost, but the judges look for a certain amount of muscularity and conditioning and they say they want 20% less muscle/a softer look, and I also added that they judge everything from hair to make-up to skin tone and suits. Peter added that looks do come into play (he said this because we have heard it from numerous judges), but for her to twist my words around to make me sound like an egotistical person made me so upset! She made the comment that some of the women's faces look hard and sunken in (after I showed her a picture from one of my shows) and Peter and I said that that is a result of dieting and some of the women take it too far and are speculated to have used stuff. I NEVER came out and said they are using steriods. . .that comment just makes me sound stupid and judgemental.

All of my friends, co-workders, and clients that read the article said that right when they read that comment they knew that wouldn't be something that I would say, but it still makes me upset. . . sorry to rant and rave, but this kind of crap makes me mad. Thanks for letting me vent

 

[phreak]

i think, at this point, that any coverage in the media with regards to bbing will have a negative connotation to it. AAS are bodybuilding; bbing is AAS. period. you cannot stop the association, no matter how much of an emphasis you put on diet or genetics. and with all the publicity surrounding AAS and the willingness of the misinformed public to believe anything the media says, the best thing anyone can do is not talk to the media at all.

as for them twisiting your words... well, they are the media, and that's what they do. their main focus is far from accurate reporting and factual representation.

you both should have told them to piss off when they asked for the interview.

 

[PHIL HERNON]

My experience

Sometimes you forget what you tell someone during an interview. You need to review the tape. Did Pete say he was natural? You understand that the whole interview will have to be a lie about what you both do in private, so why even do it?Look, you both are in this sport, have been warned numerous times about the people involved in this field, what were you expecting? When you are constantly in the spotlight trying to get face time and interviews, this stuff happens. This is only the tip of the iceburg, so you better have thicker skin and get used to it. My advice? Stay home, train hard, eat healthy, dont worry about promoting yourselves or magazine covers and it will all fall into place. take it or leave it.

 

[Mr Pickles]

if its true that Leslie Wylie or whatever her name is misquoted you like that, then i'd like to call her an unprofessional irresponsible cunt

good day to you Miss Wylie

 

[JessFit]

Phil,

There is no tape. That is the whole point. Peter and I were just bringing to light how unprofessional this reporter was. She took notes with a pen and a piece of paper no tape recorder was present. We know exactly what we said and the lack of a tape recorder and a bunch of chicken scratch notes resulted in the article that was written.

We did this article because we love what we do, wanted to educate the Knoxville community about it, we want to help people live healthy lifestyles, and we wanted to promote our business to do just that. I see nothing wrong with wanting that exposure. It is not to glorify us, but to hopefully help others out in the end. You may think that our motives are different b/c we seem to get a kick out of the mags etc., but ultimately we are living our lives with passion and purpose not just to see how many cover shots we can get.

We realize we need to have thick skin. Peter laughed when he read the article(I am a little different and need to calm down a bit, but Peter helps me realize this).I guess Peter just wanted to start a thread to see if anyone else had the problem with local people not being supportive (which he stated in his last sentence).

We realize and respect your stance on all of the mags and the hype of the sport, but we will be o.k. b/c like I said that is not our focus we have other things that drive us. . .Thanks for your opinions and advice, though. It is always good to hear a different point of view, especially coming from someone that has more experience with this stuff.

 

[NPCLight]

Like Phil stated above Peter what did you think was going to happen? Editor's jobs are to make a story appealing...even if that means lying. I say to if you did you say it get them to print a retraction Like I said once before to you, there is only 1 Pro in Knoxville, his name is James Ward (INBF Pro for 8 years now) if you did not say this fine... But I though pretty big of you until this, I see this as a way to pimp out your new business in Knoxville. Peter your in the wrong town to do what your wanting to do. There are only a handfull of people that compete in Knoxville. I see this article for a way for 2 people to promote themselves.... Yourself and the RUSH, whom I regrettedly worked for unfortunately. The person who you think has it in for you, lol what a joke it is a whole city you pissed off here not one person.I have competed in the Knoxville for 2 years now, I am not who you think I am either... I don't live, work anywhere close to Knoxville. As far as the "joke In Circles comment" Peter I worked for the Rush for 2 years and believe when I say your the joke... I have heard from numerous employees how you "get people ready for shows"... You know what I am talking about... Anyways Peter if you did not say it fine, apologies are in order, I just believe that it was a way to exploit your business to Knoxville, and for the Rush to gain some more members, like they need any... larry has enough $$$....
I am out

 

[pumpputnam]

Hey Guys,

Say hello to the newbie here. I knew he would bite if I called him out. First of all, you are a coward. Second, you do not know me. Third, you are bothered on many levels here that would reveal certain insecurities.

Our target audience isn't Knoxville pal. We work with numerous female figure athletes outside of Knoxville and I am a friend and consultant with other area bodybuilders with who probably beat you on stage. Females are our general focus and the website promotes online consulting and services that will be handled in that manner; however, At this time the website for that is still under construction.

As many laughed tonight at the gym about this(guys that are in the sport, do I need to name names?), they all asked how someone with such an outstanding physique being in Flex and Muscle&Fitness obviously got over looked at the Knoxville Classic? It must have been that meal with "Beano" that the judges had that caused you to be over looked.(Quoted from the newbie himself in a prior e-mail)

The whole city is pissed. Give me a break! You obviously have something out for me.

As far as James is concerned, I have nothing but kind words for the man. But honestly, his pro status is very different on many levels than that of an IFBB pro. Why is he now trying to move up the national level in the NPC. Cause there is no where to go with the other? No disrespect to J.W. as he is a fine man with an outstanding phyisque. But leave that one alone.

It's funny how anyone who is anyone in the sport has become tight with me and welcomed me here. Why aren't you in that category? I have yet to meet all these pissed off local level athletes. They must all be cowards like you who chose to write anonymous e-mails and trash talk me behide the computer.

There will be a seminar March 18th if you wish to attend and meet me. All your opinions and info are here-say and are completely off base. As I told all my clients tonight about what they are allegedly doing they laughed.

I contacted the editor before you even tried to stir this crap up. So go tell your spies and your buddies to relax. You can keep this crap going if you wish or PM me and I will give you my phone number and we can meet like real men and have an adult conversation!

 

[pumpputnam]

Note the mods will say take it to PM's newbie. I wish to respect this board. How many of you guys have had to deal with local haters who get upset over others accomplishments?

 

[JETHRO TULL]

JESSICA AND PETER....PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS GOING TO ATTACT FOLKS WHO ARE DOING WELL.

MY DAD WAS A POLICE OFFICER. HE'S BEEN INTERVIEWED MANY, MANY TIMES. HE'D BE SOOO PISSED WHEN THE ARTICLE WOULD COME OUT IN THE NEWSPAPER! WE'D ALL READ THE ARTICLE AND 'KNOW' MY DAD HAD BEEN MISQUOTED.

MOST OF THE TIME IT WOULD RESULT IN AN ANGRY CALL TO THE NEWSPAPER AND A SEVERE ASS CHEWING GIVEN OUT BY MY IRATE FATHER.

SO... IT HAPPENS OFTEN OUTSIDE THE REALM OF BODYBUILDING TOO. YOU GUYS JUST KEEP DOING WHAT YOU LIKE.....

HECK, WE'VE ALL FACED JEALOUSY AND NASTY LITTLE REMARKS...I GUESS IT JUST STINGS A LITTLE MORE WHEN YOU ARE ACTUALLY BEING COOPERATIVE AND YOU STILL GET SHAFTED.

HANG IN THERE! I AM GLAD TO HAVE TOP LEVEL COMPETITORS SHARING HERE AT PROMUSCLE.

THANKS FOR THE POST!

 

[JessFit]

NPCLight

I'd like to make it VERY CLEAR that Peter DID NOT claim to be a pro.We accept your apology. We were asked to do this interview and of course we would mention our business, I see nothing wrong with doing so. Peter can attract clients on his own and for you to think he said he was a pro to try to gain business is ridiculous. For you to think he told the paper he was a pro at all is laughable! Everyone at the gym knows he is a National level competitor and when you go to his website (which is linked in the paper) it says just that. . .Why you would think that he would say he is a pro is beyond me????

I help train all of our clients (mostly figure competitors) and for you to make the comments you have made about us and how we supposedly get our clients ready for a show is slanderous and completely off base. I really urge you to PM Peter or I and we could at least have a phone conversation. You are coming off as bitter, envious, judgemetal, and slanderous but you are also coming across as such a coward for not being able to reveal your identity. We are waiting for your PM

 

[Ivan]

Sounds like some drama

Look haters exist because they are jealous. And misquoting happens ALL THE TIME. I have had numerous articles written with my quotes getting all spun around, the writers will instigate drama in hopes to ensure more stories if they think there is a potential for follow up articles. Sometimes it is soo frustrating, and after awhile you learn to just say fuck 'em.

 

[PHIL HERNON]

I dont see what the big deal is

So what if Pete said he was a pro. So what if Pete says he is natural. So what if Jess says that all her competitors are on steroids. So what if Jess thinks her curves and prettier face won her the show. So what if they promote their business. So what if the whole town is mad at him. I just want everyone to get along and be happy.

 

[pumpputnam]

So what if Pete said he was a pro. So what if Pete says he is natural. So what if Jess says that all her competitors are on steroids. So what if Jess thinks her curves and prettier face won her the show. So what if they promote their business. So what if the whole town is mad at him. I just want everyone to get along and be happy.

I agree Phil. That is what I said from the begining. Who cares? Why do they care so much? I only care about setting the record straight. But here is the situation, we are dealing with someone or people??? who have nothing better to do with their time and don't wish to be reasonable. Hate is a horrible thing.

 

[Vander_V]

Sometimes you forget what you tell someone during an interview. You need to review the tape. Did Pete say he was natural? You understand that the whole interview will have to be a lie about what you both do in private, so why even do it?Look, you both are in this sport, have been warned numerous times about the people involved in this field, what were you expecting? When you are constantly in the spotlight trying to get face time and interviews, this stuff happens. This is only the tip of the iceburg, so you better have thicker skin and get used to it. My advice? Stay home, train hard, eat healthy, dont worry about promoting yourselves or magazine covers and it will all fall into place. take it or leave it.

I gotta agree , never go out looking for exposure in anyform , if it comes to you and if they want you youll just end up in the right place , i never once tried for any exposure it fell upon me not like im some great bber but still in this sport there really isnt apoint to trying to put yourself in the limelight just do your best day by day and God will take care of the rest .

 

[Ivan]

Peter and Jess

Look guys you have a good thing going here. Remember this though: haters only exist if you acknowledge them. If you pay no attention to them they lose. After awhile it is them that sound silly, as they embarass themselves with thier apparant difficulties accepting you guys. Maybe someone has a crush on Jess? I know that sounds crazy but I have seen men do some truly crazy ass things because of a woman. There could be a number of reason why actually, and since I do not know you I really cannot speculate further. If their words get to you it is YOUR ego fucking with you. YOU know it is not true, so it should not bother you. Someone might push your buttons, but they are YOUR buttons. You guys are the ones in control, and when people start to ascend the ranks in sports, you will always face adversity -- and it comes in many, many shapes and forms. I know it is bothersome, but you guys should expect this when the spotlight is on you. This is what happens, people love to hate. IT is what you guys do about it that will determine if they will eventually respect and admire your guys' work. So be careful with everything you say, do, EVEYTHING bro (and Jess too)

 

[pumpputnam]

I gotta agree , never go out looking for exposure in anyform , if it comes to you and if they want you youll just end up in the right place , i never once tried for any exposure it fell upon me not like im some great bber but still in this sport there really isnt apoint to trying to put yourself in the limelight just do your best day by day and God will take care of the rest .

\

Vander you butter kisser. Did you read? It came to us "fell upon us" and was geared towards what we thought was helping Knoxville have a better insight into the sport? So it don't apply here.

 

[Vander_V]

\

Vander you butter kisser. Did you read? It came to us "fell upon us" and was geared towards what we thought was helping Knoxville have a better insight into the sport? So it don't apply here.

Well i just agree with Phil on what he said doesnt mean that your trying to be in the limelight right?? look its obvious this means alot to you and im not trying to upset you but when you put yourself infront of a complete stranger and talk it up for exposure or plublicity or whatever then prepare to deal with what ever comes with that, Ive had alot of haters say shit about me the only differnce between me and you and Jess is that it doesnt effect me what so ever , you guys on the other hand seem to upset now ask yourself why ? if you didnt say those things then just laugh it up and move on why stick around for the after math and why would you let this effect you be a soldier of God dont deffend this with anger deffend it with a smile, kill it with kindness .

 

[Chris288]

Personally, being from Knoxville I think its awesome what you guys are doing here!! We need exposure for bodybuilders here in the city. I think its fantastic so good luck to the both of you. Dont worry about the haters, i run my own business and your always going to have people out there who do not want you to succede. So just shrug it off and keep on pumping!!! There are some locals that appreciate the both of you!!

 

[pumpputnam]

Well i just agree with Phil on what he said doesnt mean that your trying to be in the limelight right?? look its obvious this means alot to you and im not trying to upset you but when you put yourself infront of a complete stranger and talk it up for exposure or plublicity or whatever then prepare to deal with what ever comes with that, Ive had alot of haters say shit about me the only differnce between me and you and Jess is that it doesnt effect me what so ever , you guys on the other hand seem to upset now ask yourself why ? if you didnt say those things then just laugh it up and move on why stick around for the after math and why would you let this effect you be a soldier of God dont deffend this with anger deffend it with a smile, kill it with kindness .

V, I agree. I could careless, until Jess gets me emotional. J/K I created more crap by calling the coward out. It was wrong. I just couldn't resist. If anything we just want the record straight. When people say slanderous things in a community the size of Knoxville your name and character needs to be defended sometimes. Regardless, time will set things straight. We didn't say those things and we have nothing to be ashamed of. The coward has bothered us before through e-mails. Enough is enough until he wishes to step up and be a man by having the courage to approach me. He lives on the other side of the state and thinks he is crusading or something. What a waste of time... and to think I did by into his childlike behavior. Come to think about it, he really would know if the community is pissed or not and what the buzz is if he isn't living here. Oh, he has spies