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Questions Remain USAW and AA Wrestling Supply

May 22, 2009

Part of our problem with Wrestling in this country is our leadership doesn't have to answer to anybody. So where is the critical independent media? It is either owned by our governing body or they arent willing to ask the hard questions. Questions of our governing body are good, especially when no one is asking them.

Over the past year, I have been approached by several different people in regards to All American Wrestling supply's relationship with USA Wrestling. Dave Miller the former CEO at USA Wrestling now owns All American Wrestling Supply. All American Wrestling Supply has an exclusive contract with USA Wrestling in its Merchandise. It could be a coincidence that the former CEO of USA Wrestling now has the exclusive contract with the former organization that he led . So I went to the source and asked Rich Bender, the current CEO of USA Wrestling 6 questions to try and get to the bottom of what could be seen as cronyism.

1. What is the relationship between USA Wrestling and All American Wrestling Supply?

RB: "All-American Wrestling Supply is presently the exclusive supplier of merchandising services for USA Wrestling in accordance with a Merchandise License Agreement entered into as of April 1, 2008"

Typically this means that All American Wrestling owns the licensing of all USA Wrestling products. From the hats to T Shirts to anything that has the USA Wrestling name logo and trademark. In one way or another anything that has our governing body's trademark on it has to go through All American either directly or indirectly. There may be other benefits and terms but we dont know. (see next question)

2. How much does All American Wrestling Supply pay USA Wrestling to be its official Merchandiser?

RB: "the provisions of our contracts are treated with confidentiality and, therefore, as a matter of legal responsibility and policy we do not disclose the provisions of contracts to third parties. Therefore, I am not in a position to respond to any of your specific questions about the contract with All-American Wrestling Supply."

I wonder which party decides to make this confidential. Whose interest is it in to make the bid confidential. Why are all of USA Wrestlings contracts confidential?

We have no idea how much the contract is and apparently its none of our business.

3. When was the last time the contract was negotiated?

After a second follow up email to Rich Bender,Jim Ravanack the President of USA Wrestling contacted us. In the conversation he told me that he negotiated the contract personally with Dave Miller.

4. When was the last time it was up for bidding for other companies?

According to Jim Ravanack, he didnt have the contract in front of him, but he thinks it was in 2002. 7 years ago USA Wrestling was open to competitive bids. Is 2002 right or is it just Jim Ravanack's memory? Why is so long ago? Can anyone on the board of directors of USA Wrestling explain to the wrestling community why the last time the licensing of USA Wrestling logo and trademark has not been open to competitive bidding in 7 years. In my conversation with the President I got absolutely no insight.

In USA Track and Field for example, Company A will get rights to be USA Track and Field's official apparel company. After a couple of years other companies can make a bid. In the end the Company A has the first option of refusal. So if Company B raises the bid Company A can either match it or let Company B take it. This keeps the bid honest while being loyal to people who have invested in the community in the past. Most importantly it is an open process for other companies to understand how the game is played.

So why is Jim Ravanack only negotiating with one company? All American knows what the value of the USAW exclusive contract is to their business, heck they have had it for 7 years. They arent going to overpay for it, however they will underpay for it if they can....like any business would do. The only people that benefit by not having anyone else in the game is All American Wrestling Supply. What we do know is that All American Wrestling Supply entered into the contract because it is worth it for them as a business. It is logical to assume that it would be worth it for other companies who compete with All American Wrestling Supply if given the chance to bid on it.

5. What is your [personal] relationship with the ownership of All American Wrestling Supply? I got no answer.

6. Have you or anyone from USA Wrestling ever been on any trips, gifts or compensation by All American Wrestling Supply or anyone associated with the company? I got no answer.

Who is looking out for the wrestlers at USA Wrestling? How can they honestly claim that they know what the market will pay to be the exclusive merchandiser of USA Wrestling. Is this an act of cronyism. If this is the way they handle their merchandising, then how do they handle other affairs? These questions need to be addressed not only by Rich Bender but the board members of USA Wrestling have an obligation to know what is going on here. If there are good answers to these questions let us hear it, but right now we dont have answers to many important questions.

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#76	Mbt Shoes November 15 at 1:19am The MBT Shoes which I bought in MBT Shoes Sale online, I really like this pair of MBT 2009 shoes and Discount MBT Shoes. reply
#75	KERRY October 16 at 9:46am UGG BOOTS: http://www.myugleahy.com/ Email: reply
#74	Jason Bryant October 8 at 10:13am 1. If you e-mail me (my contact info is readily available on the web), I'll be happy to answer your questions. 2. If you post as a real name, I'd even be more inclined to reply, rather than cryptic questions trying to goad me into another p*ssing match. It's been months since I even viewed this blog, so I'm not out there cyberstalking every thread I've ever replied on. reply
#73	Hmmmm October 8 at 10:08am If JB is your man, your life must suck badly. YAAAWWWWNNNNN reply
#72	Jason Bryant? October 5 at 8:11pm Seriously, does anyone know what is going on with our man JB or his website, why isnt' it getting updated...???? reply
#71	Still Waiting September 30 at 10:03am Jason Bryant I am still wondering what is going on with your 411 ??? reply
#70	Reid Worley September 29 at 2:19pm Actually Martin, I'm going to have to disagree with you here. The merchandising rights for USAW are a business arrangement between the 2 companies and the privacy of that contract should really be protected, provided that there is no proof of anything illegal going on. The "good old boy" network of business in Capitalist America is and always will be in full effect, nothing wrong with that. It does however work both ways. I spend all the time that I can spare on wrestling on this site because I feel that it is the best wrestling website around. Also, if I were to need a website, I would just ask you what I need to do to join the FloNetwork. I wouldn't ask around or take bids on building a site, I would contact you directly and work it out. The same might be true with USAW and AAWS here. reply
#69	Zebulin Miller September 29 at 1:38pm Give JB a break, he is working, I'm sure. reply
#68	Jason Bryant ??? September 29 at 12:04pm Jason you said you come on this site everyday and lord knows you always comment on any forum after something pertaining to you.... My question: What is going on with your 411 site? reply
#67	Q 4 JB September 29 at 1:30am Asked Jason what was going on with his site.....? Got no answer. reply
#66	Q For JB...? September 18 at 12:33pm Jason what is going on with your 411 site?, it looks like it hasn't been updated since August. I know you have been covering wrestling for a long time and do a lot just wondering why the site has not been updated? Is the site done, you gonna start doing shows again? reply
#65	Jason Elders September 17 at 12:10pm Zebulin Miller said: “Martin VS JB, For Charity? Split the proceeds? This will settle the bad blood for all time!” Zeb, would this be a wrestling match or an all out battle to the death? I will need to talk to the odds makers in Vegas before I make any final betting decisions. Regardless this would be one for the ages. What media outlet would be covering this, would Flo be allowed record this or would someone else have exclusive rights? Maybe it would be on Intermat and we could pay $3 to see the interview with the winner! Let me know the details and I will try to make it. reply
#64	OhioBobPhomer May 27 at 5:28pm Nothing like self promo/stroking ones ego on someone elses site for FREE! Jason, How many vids do you have up of your own broadcasts? reply
#63	Anonymous Coward May 27 at 3:44pm I think what people are learning is if you question USAW's authority, you are forever shunned from their wrestling circle. there are so many things usaw could be doing different and most likely won't ever acheive until they get new leadership. however with the good ol'boy network they have going on there in the upper ranks, it'll never happen. maybe its time for every state to go the MYWAY route. reply
#62	Zebulin Miller May 27 at 6:58am Martin VS JB, For Charity? Split the proceeds? This will settle the bad blood for all time! reply
#61	Bottom Line May 27 at 4:44am its a good ol boy system at USAW. Probably all kinds of corruptness going on over there in COlorado. People that should stay are leaving or getting fired while the head honchos need to boot themselves or the board members need to do it. reply
#60	Anonymous Coward May 26 at 2:48pm Alright now, let's all hug like brothers. reply
#59	Right On! May 25 at 9:17pm Say it again Martin....."God Bless America and freedom of speech."!!!! AMEN....and thanks to our men and women in uniform.....on this Memorial Day. reply
#58	Martin Floreani May 25 at 8:47pm Jason Bryant said: “How about this little tidbit. Flo doesn't win the NWMA's Web Site of the Year in 2008. Blog is posted ripping everyone associated with the award, most notably (and incorrectly) the NWCA. Ken Chertow doesn't advertise with Flo, Blog is posted about wrestling broadcasters, bad-mouthing none other than Ken Chertow. Dave Miller doesn't advertise with Flo. Blog is posted slamming Dave Miller. Hrm.” What you are suggesting with Chertow and All American Wrestling Supply is 100% false. I told our marketing director to stop any talks with Ken Chertow because his brand doesnt fit our brand. I never slammed Dave Miller, dont know the guy. Just asking questions. Jason I responded to all of your false allegations straight up and 100% truthfully. I cant afford the time anymore. If you want to make any further baseless allegations either start your own topic or do it on your radio show. Like I said in the last sentence of my blog "If there are good answers to these questions let us hear it, but right now we dont have answers to many important questions." All Im doing is simply asking questions. God Bless America and freedom of speech. reply
#57	Jason Bryant May 25 at 8:34pm Tommy Rowlands said: “I am really excited about the possibility of USAW and Flowrestling working together in the future. I hope it happens. That would be ideal for all of us.” Tommy, You're on the money there. reply
#56	Focused....! May 25 at 6:01pm I am focused on our sport. If anyone has something to say about controversial topics, let them say it. That's something we can do here in this imperfect but great country of ours.....the United States of America. We are all imperfect...yes coaches....yes teams....yes governing boards...yes Martin too. But Martin's great ideas and imperfections are easily targeted by anyone willing to respond with their own great ideas and imperfections. Thanks for the opportunity, FLO. reply
#55	Tommy Rowlands May 25 at 5:22pm My belief is that no person or entity has had a greater positive impact on the sport in the past three years than Martin Floreani and all of the folks at Flocasts. That's just my opinion, and many could bring up other people or organizations to note the great things they have done. Competition in business is great for the consumer. We are consumers of wrestling, and Martin brings a lot of things to the table that enable the wrestling community to benefit tremendously.......including his controversial blogs. I am really excited about the possibility of USAW and Flowrestling working together in the future. I hope it happens. That would be ideal for all of us. reply
#54	Jason Bryant May 25 at 2:10pm How about this little tidbit. Flo doesn't win the NWMA's Web Site of the Year in 2008. Blog is posted ripping everyone associated with the award, most notably (and incorrectly) the NWCA. Ken Chertow doesn't advertise with Flo, Blog is posted about wrestling broadcasters, bad-mouthing none other than Ken Chertow. Dave Miller doesn't advertise with Flo. Blog is posted slamming Dave Miller. Hrm. reply
#53	Jimbo May 25 at 12:05pm AAU said: “Time for us to start using AAU for off season until USA gets things going in a better direction...” Thats the biggest F'ing joke I've heard yet. AAU was/ is more corrupt than USAW. Hell, the supreme court had to pry wrestling away from AAU. AAU ignored wrestling and really are the ones that ran it into the ground. In my opinion anyone that runs an AAU event, takes their team to an AAU event or uses it for their club is slapping the face of wrestling. Do some research before you get on here and express your half assed ed opinions. reply
#52	AAU May 23 at 8:49pm Time for us to start using AAU for off season until USA gets things going in a better direction... reply
#51	TXC May 23 at 8:30pm Jason Bryant has his own motives too. If he toes the line for USAW then maybe he works himself into a job for them someday. Everybody can impugn everybody else's motives that's what makes the internet so gosh darn entertaining. The reality is that USAW has been doing a lousy job for a long time. The employees are too cozy with board members. The board members especially those at the top like Ravannack think they run the show but really the top honchos at USAW do as they want---generally that means they do as little as humanly possible.....FORE! reply
#50	ReAlitT May 23 at 7:46pm Martin, isn't USA Wrestling a not-for-profit organization, and, as such, would have to disclose all financial records, including contracts, for the public? reply
#49	Martin Floreani May 23 at 2:04pm People can say I "Hate" USA Wrestling and will point to this blog post as proof. I beg to differ. I love USA Wrestling and want it to be the best possible organization. All I did was ask questions. Think about that. Their answers arent adding up. If someone or a group of people made an honest mistake than they should own up to it and go about fixing it. If it was a dishonest mistake then we need to take a step back and look at the culture at USA Wrestling. Ive created another topic about our technique wave and questions about compensation to athletes. I think it is a completely different topic than the one listed in this blog. The answer in short is yes we pay the people we get techniques from, some however will refuse payment. Our goal is to make the technique section an increasingly significant income for the technicians. Any comments or discussions on this topic should be made here not to confuse issues. http://www.flowrestling.org/topics/view/275-how-do-we-get-the-techniques-for-the-technique-section reply
#48	Flo Fan May 23 at 12:10pm My vote goes for Flowrestling being the Bridge that's closing the gap in the wrestling community......be it a gap of communication or technique.. Go FLO! And, please let us know first when Flo is going to be traded publically. Thanks. reply
#47	Joe Delia May 23 at 11:47am MiGuy said: “Joe - I find this interesting. You are a guy who is trying to run a cheezy version of Flow Wrestling called Addix Wrestling. Let's have your full disclosure so that all of us can be more assured of your position in all of this.” I'm glad that my site is even worth you mentioning it with flow. Were not trying to be flow, were not even close to that good. We've talked about working with flow numerous times. There is a need in michigan and we've got a lot of positive feedback. Flow is great, I'm on here often, it's not even in the same conversation as wrestlingaddix. I don't understand where what we do at wrestlingaddix has anything to do with this blog. Also, our full disclosure is that we've lost a ton of money but are working to improve. We get to meet a lot of people, therefore we get added sales to our screen printing business so it's not a complete loss. See "Election Day" with Martin where we made him shirts. All of us at WrestlingAddix are flow fans. Since my name is attached to my post, maybe you'd consider doing the same? reply
#46	Dave P. May 23 at 11:28am I agree usa wrestling has some explaining to do about the article above, but I also believe that to keep flow on a moral high ground (compared to usa wrestling and other organizations), it would be a good idea to to have full disclosure of its financial practices as well. I am not trying to change the subject of the blog, I love this site, and I am proud that it has become a mecca of our sport. Flow has given us all a voice in the worldwide wrestling community, and I believe that voice needs to question at all levels (even our own). reply
#45	Justanobserver May 23 at 11:19am I wonder if there are other companies that will come forward besides World Wide saying that they were locked out? reply
#44	Cookie Monster May 23 at 11:16am USA Wrestling gets caught with its hand in the cookie jar! reply
#43	Hey John P May 23 at 10:23am It is also very common knowledge that Martin has a complete hatred towards USA Wrestling and other groups. I do not think there is anything wrong with questioning Martin's motives for the blogs. Martin wants to question people, he should expect people to start questioning him. Why do we take everything Martin says on complete face value. reply
#42	Joe May 23 at 10:22am question is simple. martin is now selling these guys so will he share the profits with them. why is he not answering this question but he answered Bryant's question. Yes, i'm hooking these guys up, no they are doing it for free, no we are not paying these guys for the new technique section? have a good day everyone. reply
#41	JohnP May 23 at 9:28am Ive read the blog and Ive been read these comments. Can anyone defend USA Wrestling's actions above? Are the actions appropriate? There is a lot of hatred.and resentment toward Flo for asking questions. People in the comments are trying to hijack the topic, distract from it. I think what Mike Fusilli said from WW Sport is telling. (I cant believe he would write on here!) reply
#40	Beth Smith May 23 at 12:02am idiota said: “If Martin was trying to swindle the wrestlers and people involve, first it is stupid, bc it would be short lived. Is this Martin's grand plan? Do everything for free in the name of wrestling and do it for three years and gain every bodies trust and then after three years swindle the whole community!!! Damn you got it Scooby Doo!!!! Martin nearly got away with it if it was not for your great detective work and that damn DOG!!!!! Second, if he was trying to trick everyone he would just delete your comment!, but for some reason your dumb comments are staying up. Why would a guy that is so evil and trying to take advantage of so many wrestlers let your comment stay? It makes no sense. You my friend and everyone who is demanding that Martin not make any money to even support the site are idiots........ No I mean Scobby Dooooooooos!” Yeah I agree. That was pretty nasty. these "Are you paying the wrestler" comments are funny. Ummmmmmm as i see it they have three people on the technique so far and I think the people doing the technique know the camera is on and I believe it says that they will have new videos every month sooooooooooo why would flo try to screw the tech guys? It makes no sense bc if they did, they would have no tech guys..... Hmmmmm you people dont have any biz sense.... WAIT you might be USA Wrestling!!!!!! We know that USA Wrestling does not have any biz sense or like martin. hmmmmmmmmmmmm I think we know who is doing all the no name comments..... USA Wrestling reply
#39	3rd Degree May 22 at 11:56pm ? said: “Camp your joking right? Dude martin sold put the wrestlers he is now tirning a profit or he would respond. All you wrestlers beware martin is now making money off of you just like everyone else or he would have responded by now.” HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! You got Burned! Dont let is sting to bad. HAHAHAHAHA you are lame. reply
#38	Idiota May 22 at 11:55pm ? said: “Camp your joking right? Dude martin sold put the wrestlers he is now tirning a profit or he would respond. All you wrestlers beware martin is now making money off of you just like everyone else or he would have responded by now.” If Martin was trying to swindle the wrestlers and people involve, first it is stupid, bc it would be short lived. Is this Martin's grand plan? Do everything for free in the name of wrestling and do it for three years and gain every bodies trust and then after three years swindle the whole community!!! Damn you got it Scooby Doo!!!! Martin nearly got away with it if it was not for your great detective work and that damn DOG!!!!! Second, if he was trying to trick everyone he would just delete your comment!, but for some reason your dumb comments are staying up. Why would a guy that is so evil and trying to take advantage of so many wrestlers let your comment stay? It makes no sense. You my friend and everyone who is demanding that Martin not make any money to even support the site are idiots........ No I mean Scobby Dooooooooos! reply
#37	? May 22 at 11:24pm Camp your joking right? Dude martin sold put the wrestlers he is now tirning a profit or he would respond. All you wrestlers beware martin is now making money off of you just like everyone else or he would have responded by now. reply
#36	Who Gets What $...? May 22 at 10:44pm Think of it....if a great coach shows his special technique on Flowrestling and it goes into the homes of aspiring great wrestlers, then when that great coach has a summer camp or workshop, who do you think will be vying to attend? It is like Flowrestling is shrinking distances within the wrestling community and expanding the popularity of some coaching styles that may have never been known outside of their local circles. If Flowrestling gets all the $, then for sure it will go back into making Flowrestling and the future of all wrestling even better......and BETTER! reply
#35	Comment On Question May 22 at 10:31pm One of your previous commentor's question is "What are you offering to USA Wrestling to help bridge the gap so that people can start working together?" My answer would be to count up all the comments made on Flowrestling since it's inception, add to that all of the live video presentations from all of the events, add to that all of the live interviews, add to that all of the miles travelled and phone calls made, and then see if you get enough blood sweat and tears to "help bridge the gap" ........ Flowrestling is definitely helping to "bridge the gap". reply
#34	? May 22 at 9:37pm Thanks for asking because I have asked it without a response from martin but I'm thinking his silence speaks volumes. Martin if I pay for the year service will any of my money goback into the pockets of the guys showing the techniqe? reply
#33	Dave P. May 22 at 9:13pm Martin, I know it has been asked in previous comments, but I feel it deserves a response, "Are the wrestlers in the new technique section getting paid for their efforts"? reply
#32	RE: Conflict Of Interest May 22 at 8:33pm I do not think anyone has a problem with Flo making money. However, Martin opened himself up to some questioning when he said he that he would never accept ad money or having any paid portions of the site. I am glad that they are getting paid for things because it provides a better service back to the fan. LSV has exclusive rights for events because they pay for them. Martin has made it pretty clear he does not want to pay to broadcast. Who else is out there that wants to pay for the broadcast rights. By the way before you rip LSV, you should do a little research into the founder LSV and you will find one of wrestling most generous benefactors. Why is it wrong for USAW to make money on the products they have. reply
#31	Server May 22 at 8:33pm read again: NO VENDOR IS ALLOWED TO SELL ANYTHING (USA WRESTLING LOGO OR NOT) UNLESS MILLER'S OUTFIT GET'S A CUT. reply
#30	Server May 22 at 8:31pm no vendor is allowed to sell anything at usa wrestling events unless miller's outfit gets a cut. reply
#29	Conflict Of Interest May 22 at 8:12pm Flo has to make a living as well guys we are lucky Flo has opened up wrestling like this too the fans. USAW has many conflicts of interest and anticompetive dealings. 1)All American wrestling supply exclusive rights. 2)President of USAW runs Gator Club. 3) LSV exclusive rights to USAW tournemnets and i'm sure many others I'm not aware of. We live in a capitalist country which encourages competition. Thats why in wrestling you wrestle the matches. Not let judges pick who should be ranked first. These monopolies never end well . Once uncovered its mattter of time before things change. Sites like Flo are progressive thats good for America. If we dont chnage some of dealing we will not be the best. Leadership trickels down to the soldiers on the field. Those soldiers are the athletes and they dont respect the general which is USAW. Thats why athlets are going to MMA. . reply
#28	Wow May 22 at 7:13pm WWSPORT_COM said: “Seems to answer the question as to why I never received a return phone call from Mr. Bender or Mr. Ravanack when I inquired, on several occassions, about the bidding process. As a salesperson in the wrestling supply industry, I find the topic you chose very interesting. Not because it has to do with a competitior and their secret negotiations with USA Wrestling, but becauuse it is off the beaten path of wrestling. I continue to enjoy all aspects of Flowrestling. Keep up the great work Mike Fusilli National Sales Manager Worldwide Sport Supply WWSPORT.COM” Did anyone else read this? reply
#27	MiGuy May 22 at 7:12pm Joe - I find this interesting. You are a guy who is trying to run a cheezy version of Flow Wrestling called Addix Wrestling. Let's have your full disclosure so that all of us can be more assured of your position in all of this. reply
#26	Martin Floreani May 22 at 7:09pm No Joe or Jason I do not have any hidden agenda. Have not talked about writing this blog with anybody but a close couple confidants, especially not a competing company with AA wrestling supply (You are probably referring to WW Sport comment below- I have never met Mike Fusilli nor communicated to him or his company). Suppliers have mentioned licensing problems off hand to me with problems with licensing but nothing more than just off hand comments and those were made 5 or 6 months ago. I havent casted any stones just asked questions. I dont like the responses so Im asking more questions. I dont know what else you think my intentions are but if they have anything to do with me or flowrestling benefiting financially from writing this blog I can tell you that is absolutely not true. I consider Flowrestling a new type of media. Your definition of media may be completely different than my definition. i dont have a journalism degree and god knows I need an editor. I dont know if I consider myself anything of a watch dog. Im just calling it like I see it and asking questions along the way. Sometimes Flowrestling will get helped with our travel when we go to cover an event or college. We try and do our best to keep costs low like staying on a couch or even a floor and not eating out. If we have to we sleep in our car. We dont take payment from colleges for the work we do away from our families, the time spent editing, or anything like that. Of course we have to pay the athletes for their time and expertise, of course they know everything we are doing. Hopefully we can be an increasingly significant source of revenue for them in the future...Thats is our goal. With all this being said, I agree lets have full disclosure. reply
#25	Joe Delia May 22 at 6:59pm Ankle Picker said: “JB, Maybe his hidden agenda is improving USA Wrestling. Maybe he got inspired to write the blog because he isn't impressed with what All American Supply has to offer and thinks someone could do a better job promoting our sport through fashion merchandising. Just because you've never thought of the apparel market doesn't mean Martin's up to something sinister because he has. Personally I think All American Supply leaves a lot to be desired and have for some time. I'm a huge wrestling fan and have never once bought something from AA.” So, instead of just asking him yourself, you jump to his defense using the reasoning that "Maybe he isn't impressed with AA Wrestling Supply"? Can't Martin just answer things for himself w/o having 30 people speculate for him? If you have enough time to write the blog, you should have enough time to respond. Otherwise it's just avoidance, the same thing this blog complains about. reply
#24	Ankle Picker May 22 at 5:56pm JB, Maybe his hidden agenda is improving USA Wrestling. Maybe he got inspired to write the blog because he isn't impressed with what All American Supply has to offer and thinks someone could do a better job promoting our sport through fashion merchandising. Just because you've never thought of the apparel market doesn't mean Martin's up to something sinister because he has. Personally I think All American Supply leaves a lot to be desired and have for some time. I'm a huge wrestling fan and have never once bought something from AA. reply
#23	Red Dog May 22 at 5:40pm Anonymous Coward said: “i really don't think that it is a big deal that usa wrestling is in a sole deal with all american supply. there are many more important things going on with wrestling right now and who makes the t-shirts doesn't matter. we need to work on our top wrestlers getting paid. that is the problem with wrestling right now! what is the incentive not to go to mma right now. we need to create the funds to support our top wrestlers and keep them in wrestling. that is what will grow and help this sport.” Yes, I agree wholeheartedly and Anonymous Coward will put his money where his mouth is and begin the donation parade to our top wrestlers to deter them away from MMA by paying them high salaries with benefits. So how much Coward are you prepared to transfer from your savings account into the kitty to get us started? reply
#22	Anonymous Coward May 22 at 5:27pm i really don't think that it is a big deal that usa wrestling is in a sole deal with all american supply. there are many more important things going on with wrestling right now and who makes the t-shirts doesn't matter. we need to work on our top wrestlers getting paid. that is the problem with wrestling right now! what is the incentive not to go to mma right now. we need to create the funds to support our top wrestlers and keep them in wrestling. that is what will grow and help this sport. reply
#21	Question For Martin May 22 at 5:25pm Martin, you seemed to have passed yourself as the watchdog. Bringing up a lot of questions and comments about the leadership of the sport. You have been bringing up some good stuff which has lead to some really good debate. I am curious and had a couple questions for you. 1. Do you consider yourself a media outlet? 2. Is it true that several high profile collegiate programs are paying you to do 'coverage' and promote their programs? 3. If that is the case, how can you consider yourself an objective third party? 4. What are you offering to USA Wrestling to help bridge the gap so that people can start working together? Thank you in advance for your time. reply
#20	The Hitman May 22 at 5:22pm "It could be a coincidence that the former CEO of USA Wrestling now has the exclusive contract with the former organization that he led ." I say call the FBI to investigate this allegation because if this was health care, this is called EXCLUSIVITY which is highly ILLEGAL in that arena. It may illegal in this arena too, a simple phone call to the Feds which will trigger a thorough investigation, a surprise search and seizure (RAID), subsequent subpoenas and depositions, grand jury testimonies, trials, jail time, and possibly the gas chamber or electric chair will follow if anything stinks in Denmark. I say somebody with a big set of stones make that call, NOW! reply
#19	MiGuy May 22 at 5:14pm I think blindly turning over all of the major resources to save and develop the folkstyle movement to USA Wrestling is the biggest scandal. No one in the main office in Colorado Springs really gives a damn. They just want the financial resources from membership dues and for all of us to jump off of the cliff like lemmings. reply
#18	Same Old Arguement May 22 at 5:05pm Why is it anytime someone questions Martin or disagrees with him, its because they are jealous? Can we get a new arguement? reply
#17	Jason Bryant May 22 at 4:57pm This thread isn't about me, if you e-mail me () , I'd be more than happy to answer your questions. I'm just raising questions that should be brought up. It's pointing the finger and then not answering when the finger's pointed back at you. If you think people aren't being honest, that's fine, it's your right. But there's an obvious motive here. I'm not the only one that sees it. Let's attack something that we can't have inroads with, then claim all sorts of things. I am hardly jealous, my vision and goals have absolutely zero to do with Flo. Why do I feel like I'm beating a dead horse when I tell people I enjoy the site and I'm on it every day. How about some transparency. If people are expected to "answer to" questions raised by Martin, why not put the shoe on the other foot. We would be a lot better off if there was full disclosure here, rather than everyone just following the shepherd and believing every little thing that people want to stop big bad Flo. Don't deflect from the issue raised. I'm a wrestling fan like everyone else. Why is this an issue unless Martin makes it one because of a hidden agenda. I can play conspiracy theorist too. I think Joe Delia's question bears an answer, in the interest of saying there is no hidden agenda as to why this blog is being brought up. I've never once thought about the apparel market. Let's see things for what they are. reply
#16	Joe Delia May 22 at 4:54pm I hardly doubt he's jealous, only wondering the reasoning for this blog. If you cast stones, expect some back. It'll be interesting to see if martin personally responds to either of our posts. While I've never met martin, he seems like a nice guy, but, this seems out of the blue and smells funny. I don't think you can take money from product companies, then call out another product / supply company and claim to be non bias. But maybe thats just me. Does martin say anything if it's sunflower who holds the USA Wrestling dealings? Possibly, but doubtful. reply
#15	Angry American May 22 at 4:49pm Jason Bryant said: “The leadership doesn't "have" to answer to anyone, but let me pose this question to you Martin. Who do you have to answer to? Where is the checks and balances to make you accountable for the questions you raise, whether they be on the mark or whether they be completely out of line? Pointing the finger and saying "we need change" isn't leadership. There's a motive behind this, until you come clean and tell people what that motive is, you're going to be doing the same thing you claim to want to prevent. I love the web site, I'm on it every day, but are you writing this because you have a gear company in mind to come in and swoop in on the dollars of the wrestling community? There's a method and motive to everything. Rock the boat to get your idea across ... how about full disclosure. You challenge wrestling's big wigs to tell us where the money goes, yet this "free" site has slowly started to see ads and now a pay service, something you told the wrestling community would "never" happen. Year three of the business model. Getting into the affiliate clothing gear business? Why bring this up if you didn't have an ulterior motive. There's something here Martin, just be honest with the wrestling fans. Keep up the good work with the site, but be truthful about your intentions. You catch more flies with honey rather than disappearing ink.” Everyone has to answer to someone. CEOs have to answer to their stock holders. Government officials have to answer to the voters. USAWrestling is a non profit so they have to answer to the government, the US Olympics, and the wrestling community. It is unbelievable how jealous you have gotten with Flo's success. Jason, Let me ask you a couple questions. 1. Has flo ever forced you to pay for their service over the last 3 years? 2. Has flo even put a pre roll add in front of your videos? 3. Has flo been more positive for wrestling then negative? 4. You said for yourself that you come to the site everyday so you think it is entertaining right? 5. Normally you have to pay for entertainment right? 6. If you are getting something for free that you like why do you need to know how he makes $? 7. Correct me if I am wrong, but don't most businesses hide their business model so others wont steal it? It seams that you and a couple other wrestling fans are very jealous of the success of Flo, bc that is the only reason that I can come up with for you demanding more from the site that already gives you so much. This is America and we are free to make an honest living, personally I do not believe USA Wrestling is being honest. If they are being honest then they just plain suck at running a business bc the sport is dying with their bad business sense. Angry American reply
#14	Joe Delia May 22 at 3:44pm Jason Bryant said: “The leadership doesn't "have" to answer to anyone, but let me pose this question to you Martin. Who do you have to answer to? Where is the checks and balances to make you accountable for the questions you raise, whether they be on the mark or whether they be completely out of line? Pointing the finger and saying "we need change" isn't leadership. There's a motive behind this, until you come clean and tell people what that motive is, you're going to be doing the same thing you claim to want to prevent. I love the web site, I'm on it every day, but are you writing this because you have a gear company in mind to come in and swoop in on the dollars of the wrestling community? There's a method and motive to everything. Rock the boat to get your idea across ... how about full disclosure. You challenge wrestling's big wigs to tell us where the money goes, yet this "free" site has slowly started to see ads and now a pay service, something you told the wrestling community would "never" happen. Year three of the business model. Getting into the affiliate clothing gear business? Why bring this up if you didn't have an ulterior motive. There's something here Martin, just be honest with the wrestling fans. Keep up the good work with the site, but be truthful about your intentions. You catch more flies with honey rather than disappearing ink.” Wasn't Suplay.com one of his biggest "Reasource" he has on the site. Now it's sunflower and WWSS. Thats why i asked the question. Personally, if USA was to open up the bidding, that would be great for me, but, it still begs the question as to whether or not he considers himself to be the non-bias media, because i see a conflict of interest here. reply
#13	Jason Bryant May 22 at 3:40pm The leadership doesn't "have" to answer to anyone, but let me pose this question to you Martin. Who do you have to answer to? Where is the checks and balances to make you accountable for the questions you raise, whether they be on the mark or whether they be completely out of line? Pointing the finger and saying "we need change" isn't leadership. There's a motive behind this, until you come clean and tell people what that motive is, you're going to be doing the same thing you claim to want to prevent. I love the web site, I'm on it every day, but are you writing this because you have a gear company in mind to come in and swoop in on the dollars of the wrestling community? There's a method and motive to everything. Rock the boat to get your idea across ... how about full disclosure. You challenge wrestling's big wigs to tell us where the money goes, yet this "free" site has slowly started to see ads and now a pay service, something you told the wrestling community would "never" happen. Year three of the business model. Getting into the affiliate clothing gear business? Why bring this up if you didn't have an ulterior motive. There's something here Martin, just be honest with the wrestling fans. Keep up the good work with the site, but be truthful about your intentions. You catch more flies with honey rather than disappearing ink. reply
#12	Joe Delia May 22 at 3:34pm Martin, Do you consider yourself to be that non bias 3rd party media? reply
#11	Anonymous Coward May 22 at 3:28pm Everybody has to make a living somehow. A lot of times that means charging fees, or raising a price or whatever the situation. Sucks, but it's life. Plus, the corruption and recessed economy is not going to help at all. reply
#10	WWSPORT_COM May 22 at 3:02pm Seems to answer the question as to why I never received a return phone call from Mr. Bender or Mr. Ravanack when I inquired, on several occassions, about the bidding process. As a salesperson in the wrestling supply industry, I find the topic you chose very interesting. Not because it has to do with a competitior and their secret negotiations with USA Wrestling, but becauuse it is off the beaten path of wrestling. I continue to enjoy all aspects of Flowrestling. Keep up the great work Mike Fusilli National Sales Manager Worldwide Sport Supply WWSPORT.COM reply
#9	? May 22 at 2:13pm No problem paying for the site I want to know if my dollar is reaching the wrestler showing the technique or does the buck stop at flo? Site is cutting edge but is flo helping these guys or using them like every other organization does? reply
#8	Matt Russo May 22 at 2:08pm ?? said: “Martin now that flo is charging with new section are you looking out for the wrestlers and paying them for their technique?” i think that is a little different? flowrestling dosent really sponsor a certain body of wrestling the way that USA does. flowrestling does need to make money. their not singling out anybody in particular like USA. Yeah, paying kinda sucks but you dont have to pay for the whole site, just an extra thing. theres plenty of other technique stuff on flo, sooo.... get over it reply
#7	? May 22 at 1:56pm Is flo paying the athletes for giving flo technique that in return they sell back to us? Got no answer reply
#6	Anonymous Coward May 22 at 1:39pm I'm sure the new section will help pay flo for their coverages of wrestling. I personally don't see too much advertising on this site so their income isn't steady. What I would like to find out is how much individuals are being paid. From my understanding, USAW isn't as much of a business as it is (suppose to be) a program to promote and elevate the sport of wrestling within the United States. Now after saying that I ask myself, is our yearly dues as well as tournament fees among other things that other state organizations pay to affiliate themselves with USAW doing what needs to be done? In the very beginning I thought Martin was just another crook trying to make some money, but over the past couple of years now that flo has existed he has shown his passion and desire to "promote and spread" the sport to all walks of life in the US. Why is it that every high school, college program, and club program in the country welcome him whenever he is in town? He is earned his title as an ambassador of "our" sport. Martin I think your doing a great job, but one question I have for you is, now that you are asking these questions and getting this information out, what are we suppose to do as a wrestling community to actually make a difference? I mean I feel the same as I would if we were dealing with politics or any other business, the only thing is how can we "fix" USAW without hurting our sport in the meantime? reply
#5	LM Proud May 22 at 1:31pm Does that mean if a wrestler wants the USA Wrestling logo tattooed on their body that they have to get permission from All American Wrestling Supply? reply
#4	? May 22 at 1:29pm You guys are so in love with martin that you don't see that he is now doing the same that he says USA does. I love site but if they are selling the sweat of the wrestlers and not compensating them it's pretty sad. Why is flo not responding are you paying these guys? reply
#3	PAProud May 22 at 1:19pm Thanks for doing this FLO! Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and that seems to be the case. We NEED responsible journalists in todays society, they are a critically endangered species! And, to everyone else, lets please not rip on these guys for making all of this great wrestling knowledge available to us. If they want to charge so we can get coverage thats more in-depth than what is already offered SO BE IT! I think these guys deserve it, afterall, look at everything they give us for free!!! This site is awesome, THANK YOU FLOWRESTLING reply
#2	TJH May 22 at 1:16pm Just another example of why this country will continue to lag behind every other one that treats the sport with respect and the athletes fairly. reply
#1	?? May 22 at 1:07pm Martin now that flo is charging with new section are you looking out for the wrestlers and paying them for their technique? reply