Brother,
The situation was that I was given a invite by the USAPL to lift in the "GNC Pro Deadlift at The Arnold" this year. This was going to happen after RUM 7.
I decided to lift in RUM 7 because I had never done it before and wanted to throw my hat into the ring with other lifters and that all the ANIMAL powerlifters were going to be there too.
But when I decided to do it, Brad Gillingham told me that there is a chance I would be disqualified from The Arnold Pro Deadlift. Brad had nothing to do with this decision but called me as my friend to let me know what the outcome would be. It was a USAPL and IPF issue.
I thought this was weird because I am proud to say that I am a lifetime Drug-free Masters powerlifter/strongman and don't really care if I compete against or with lifters who are not.
So I thought it would be to the USAPL's benefit that I lift in RUM 7. I even asked them if a Official would come and drug test me while in Florida and they said no. This matter will be answered in Shukin's post below...LMAO
So I said, whatever and committed to lifting in RUM 7 and gave up my spot to lift on the Arnold Expo stage. This suspension is for 1 year, and ONLY for lifting at a Pro Deadlift contest sanctioned by the IPF. The suspension started on the day I lifted in RUM 7.
I am NOT suspended from lifting in a State or National USAPL sanctioned contest. Only the Pro Deadlift contests or any IPF World Championship. I am planning to lift in a local USAPL contest here in Washington on Dec 6th.
My suggestion is that you do RUM 7 because you will not be banned from lifting in any State or National level contest sanctioned by the USAPL.
Great question. Take care my bro.
HIGA MONSTER