Thread: Victor Martinez Battles Immigration

In the world of professional bodybuilding, scandals are a part of the package. Whether it is the rabid questions of steroid abuse or the discussion of favoritism in competition judging, the sport has been no stranger to drama.

Every once in a while, however, a story comes along that defies logic and makes a lasting, worldwide impact on the sport.

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As many fans will recall, on his way home from his comeback victory at the Oct. 9 Arnold Classic Europe in Spain, IFBB pro bodybuilder Victor Martinez was detained in New York and denied entry to the U.S., due to supposed immigration violations.

On Nov. 8, Martinez was denied bail, as the judge sided with the government's case, which is still unknown to the general public. He remains in custody at the Hudson County Correctional Facility, pending a Jan. 6, 2012, hearing. At that time, the determination must be made to deport, release or charge Martinez with a crime.

Martinez is from the Dominican Republic, but has traveled to and from the United States and other countries for competition. Shortly before his detainment, on Sept. 25, he traveled to India to compete in the Sheru Classic bodybuilding competition, with no ill-regards from any immigration body.

Today, it appears that his legal team has decided to make another attempt at securing bail, but it is unknown how long the process may take. It does appear, however, that the attempt may be futile, as the previous attempt had set precedence.

Martinez is no stranger to controversy, however. Martinez was involved in a 2007 steroid investigation by the Albany County District Attorney's Office, in New York, where he was identified as an un-indicted co-conspirator.

In 2009, he made national news again when his sister went missing from the New York high-rise in which she had worked. Her body was found four days later, in a ventilation shaft at the building. Martinez was not a suspect, but was adamantly vocal about gaining justice for his sister.

In his career, the 5-foot-9-inch, 250-pound Martinez has competed in over two dozen competitions. Most notable is his victory at the 2007 Arnold Classic and his second-place finish at the 2007 Mr. Olympia competition. He currently co-owns the Muscle Maker Grill in Edgewater, N.J., where he also serves as spokesperson.

Fans of the bodybuilding superstar will, no doubt, continue to be fixated and confused by the lack of information coming from the participants.


Bodybuilder Victor Martinez Battles Immigration - Yahoo! Sports

Poor guy