This is an isolated case but it points to a type of thinking that keeps the
NABBA in second rate status despite the many first rate bodybuilders who
compete within it. Decisions like the following just hurt the athletes. The
organization really can't afford to ban journalists who are interested in
covering NABBA events.

While it is too late to do anything about Mr. Thomas' ban, those of us who are
interested may email NABBA to suggest that the current philosophy is short
sighted and will ultimately doom the organization. Address comments to Ivan
Dunbar the president
info@...

From Giles Thomas' column at UK Muscle.com
http://www.uk-muscle.com/community/bodynewsforum/forum/forum.asp

I'd like to annouce that myself and of course UK-M, will not be able to attend
and therefore photograph and report on this weekend's Nabba Universe
event...
The reason behind this sad news, which to be perfectly frank, I am totally
gutted by, is due to the UK-M report that I wrote on this year's Nabba Britain
contest...
It seemed that class 4 competitor and nabba representative, Michael Sullivan
took exception to my comments relating to his placing that I felt he was
undeserving of, which also seemed to be the general concensus by all the
feedback I received. I was just the only one brave enough to say it seems...
After hearing he was kicking up a fuss over the report and wishing to keep the
peace, I removed the entire report off the site shortly afterwards hoping then
that this would be the end of it, despite also hearing other things that he was
saying about me, which amounted to nothing more than petty threats and
abuse to those close to me...
Then a few months later, my ex-girlfriend's mother and Nabba judge, received
a call from Jim and Val Charles saying that Mr Sullivan had pushed to not let
me be allowed a press pass to this year's Universe and also to not be allowed
to stay at the official hotel...
Jim and Val stated that they had nothing against me personally but that they
were agreeing to Michael's request.
So, no phonecall to me personally, no, just left to someone else to tell me,
which is devastating after all the help and support that I've given Nabba over
the years and also to it's althletes as you will all probably be aware....
I did actually write a lengthy letter to Nabba President Ivan Dunbar and talked
to UK Chairman Brian Robinson both of which I have yet to return their calls
as it stands today. I will though and thank them for any efforts they may have
made on my behalf. In the end I just didn't see the point anymore...
I simply thought to myself why I should have all of this stress and hassle to
help a federation that already receives next to no publicity as it is. There are
few enough outlets for these hard working athletes to get themselves
publicised so it is very sad indeed.
I'm disappointed that someone who clearly has a personal problem with me
has done something that means that the federation that he is involved with
and supports will lose out now in so many ways...
I go to the shows to enjoy myself and relax and meet all my many friends and
contacts, so I really don't really feel like spending all that money on travel,
hotels, petrol, film and general expenses just to be kicked in the teeth like
this...
So to competitors and friends like Flex Lewis, Chris Wall, Tony Stevenson,
Paul Megwa, Brian Peters, Rob Feesey, the list goes on, I'd like to sincerely
apologise that I won't be able to be there this year and cheer you on to
success or provide you and the site with no report and no photographs at all...
Giles
UK-M