Governor Schwarzenegger Declines pay for Weightlifting Magazines

July 17th, 2005

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger stated on Friday that he will no longer accept payments for a five year multi-million dollar consulting agreement with Muscle & Fitness and Flex magazine due to conflict of interests.

Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill about regulations of use of performance enhancing supplements in high school sports.  He claims the reason that he vetoed the bill was that it was incomplete in specifying the use of steroid or nutritional supplements.

Schwarzenegger’s agreement with the American Media Inc. and Weider Publications was announced originally in March of 2004; however the dollar amount was not released until this past Wednesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  There was also an agreement in the contract for the magazines to donate $250,000 a year to the California Council on Physical Fitness, along with payments of at least $1 million dollars a year for five years for Mr. Schwarzenegger to work as a consultant.

"The decision is to discontinue the relationship we have now," Schwarzenegger said. "I will continue promoting body building and fighting obesity."   He stated that he will continue consulting and writing for both magazines for free at this time.  He has appeared on these magazines covers 50 times since 1968 and has advice columns throughout the years.

There is currently another bill being introduced addressing steroid use in schools.  Governor Schwarzenegger said that he would definitely reconsider the reworked version. 

It is not against the law for a California official to have another job outside of office.  Schwarzenegger is trying to make a first-rate impression by refusing his pay not only with the magazines; he also does not take the allotted California Governors annual salary of $175,000.

By Nicole Wilson
Best Syndication Staff Writer