Bob Cicherillo and Brian Powers went back-and-forth on social media regarding professionalism and other areas.
Bob Cicherillo has become known as “the voice of bodybuilding” but it looks like he will not be the voice of the Arnold Classic anytime soon.
Cicherillo has been working as the emcee for bodybuilding events, including the Olympia, for years now. He has been on stage during the Arnold Classic in previous years but his issues with Arnold Classic director Brian Powers has kept him away from the show. In the comments section of a recent Instagram post, Cicherillo went back-and-forth about professionalism within the industry.
The comments came under a post from Bi’s and Tri’s about Cicherillo’s comments regarding Nick Walker. Powers began the dialogue under the post questioning Cicherillo’s professionalism.
“You can’t claim to be the impartial “voice of bodybuilding” while using your platform to tear down the people you’re paid to present and support on stage. It’s a clear conflict of interest and it sends the wrong message about professionalism in our sport,” posted Brian Powers
According to Evolution of Bodybuilding, Cicherillo did not want to participate in the Arnold Classic “as long as Powers was calling the shots.” It is clear that there is bad blood between the two and it came out on social media.
Cicherillo, Powers Go Back-and-Forth in Fiery Exchange
Brian Powers commented first on the post but it did not take long for Cicherillo to respond — sparking a full on back-and-forth.
“That’s rich coming from you….”You” and the word “professionalism” , is an oxymoron like jumbo shrimp,” Cicherillo responded
The conversation continued as Powers referenced comments made about Walker by Cicherillo during their exchange earlier this year.
“Professionalism isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing respect for the athletes, the platform, and the audience. When your criticism turns personal or becomes public mocking, it sends a confusing message to audiences that spills onto the stage and detracts from the product.”
“funny you mention all that, as I’ve never once in my life been unprofessional on stage, in my capacity. As for athletes being showcased and number one…it was your boss Arnold that left Nick Walkernin the middle of the stage the year he won, with no interview or chance to thabk his fans, family, judges, etc,” Cicherillo responded.
In March, Cicherillo made comments about how he believes Walker will never win an Olympia title. Walker responded with a quote that has become famous — “who the f*ck is Bob?” After hearing this, Cicherillo responded once again claiming that he is “the guy who’s gonna be announcing you 8th at the Olympia.”
Powers went onto use this quote in another point made under the post. The two spent multiple messages going back-and-forth responding before it died down.
““I’m the guy who’s going to be announcing you 8th place” isn’t commentary, it’s a power trip. You’re not judging, you’re not coaching, and you’re definitely not deciding placings. But statements like that make it sound like you think you are. That’s exactly the problem it’s ego disguised as expertise and it undermines the integrity of the sport,” Powers said.
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