Tom Prince

[decadbal]

TP has always been on of my fav BBers, and to read what is goin on with him in the past few months, this is the statement from him post NOC.

To say that I hate to have to be writing this is a severe understatement. Left with any other choice, I'd still be doing the NOC.

After being sick for more than a week, and having to be forced, literally, by my wife, to go to the doctor, I finally did so. I went to a local clinic in Marina Del Rey, CA, where I live. The doctor that ran a standard blood panel, came back with my test results, and very nicely, told my wife that she should take me to the emergency room IMMEDIATELY.

So, Rebecca and I went to get some ice cream before going to the Harbor UCLA Medical Center (rememeber, I was dieting). I was at the hospital for 15 minutes before they admitted me into ICU (Intensive Care Unit).

I've got bleeding ulcers that make eating anything very difficult. Especially all the protein from chciken and turkey. I also have some kidney damage.

They THINK the prognosis is good, and that there's a possibility I could one day compete again. But that's doctor's, and what THEY say.

I, however, have a whole lot to think about. My friends, family, the writers, people at Weider, and whoever has found out to this point, seems to think I'm going to make a snap decision in 15 minutes. NOPE.

I've got MONTHS to decide what to do, while my kidney's and ulcers heal. I plan on taking MONTHS to decide what to do. I want to see how fast, if at all, my body and organs, heal. There's no rush, and no timetable just to satisfy someone else's agenda for when they think I should compete.

Peace.. tp

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There was never any doubt in my mind that anyone who understands what life is all about will understand why I need to give myself time to heal. The beautiful, 35 year old Jewish chick I sleep next to every night, and the the 13 year old and 11 year old that the sun rises and sets on every day are what really matter to me. At the end of the day.. at the end of EVERY day.. I need to be here for THEM.

Bodybuilding, with me, or without me, will be just fine. Though, I'll freely admit, that I miss being in the gym every day already.


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EVERYBODY..

I don't mind people thinking I made a serious mistake. If that is your opinion, that's certainly your right to feel that way. Further, it's hard for me to argue anyone coming to that conclusion, based on the fact that I do, indeed, have a kidney problem now.

I am in NO WAY trying to shirk responsibility for what I have done to myself. This isn't anyone else fault. This is 100%, ON ME. Period. I have to deal with the consequences of my actions.

At the same time, I'm NOT going to start writing articles discussing the evils of bodybuilding, how the drugs have gotten out of hand, and be a fucking hypocrit who up until 2 weeks ago was more than willing to do everything it took to be a "good" pro.

In time, and in each person's own way, they will make their own decisions about what each person feels is right for THEM. PLEASE.. if you think I'm an asshole for NOT paying closer attention to my own health, YOU PAY ATTENTION TO YOURS!!


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I think too many pro's who've retired in the last decade, end up sounding like hyprocritical jerk-off's when they talk about the direction that they believe bodybuilding is heading. You know, the 'ol: "I can't believe how much shit these guys are taking. WE we're pratically natural in my day."

But, at the same time, I'd like to at least be HONEST about my condition. An educated individual can make a better decision on whether or not he/she wants to go down the same road that a pro may have to go down. If they know the TRUTH, then, just maybe, they'll make better decisons.

That's all I hope to do with any of this. I have to trust that each person cares enough about himself to look into this on his own, and think for themselves.

[powerlifter]

interesting read - I am sure that he isn't the first person this has happened to while preparing for a contest.

[WideBack_Boy]

I agree Deca Prince has always and will always be one of my fav pros. It is a shame he won't be competing anymore. But he will still train hard I know. The article in FLEX this past may was a great read as well. It really helped to make Prince a STAND OUT in my list of fav bbers.

[houseofpain]

i read the article in flex about prince, its touching. prince will always be great, and i wish him the best of luck.

[Enrage]

my friend saw him at the mr. o two years ago in vegas. he said he was pale as a ghost and high on something. he guessed pain killers.
all that recreational shit is hard on the liver. they pop painkillers like its tylenol

[houseofpain]

yeah you learn from your mistakes but for him its too late.

[legz]

still very well missed

[khlood]

you are the prince

[khlood]

nice ones u done