It's official, Lee Priest is back! According to Steve Blechman, "Lee's signed an exclusive contract with Muscular Development and is currently awaiting word from the IFBB on his possible reinstatement". If things go as planned, Priest would be eligible to compete at this year's IFBB Muscular Development Atlantic City Pro on September 13 in Atlantic City, NJ.

Lee is currently serving out a suspension for violating an IFBB rule which forbids members from competing in other professional bodybuilding organizations. According to Lee, "Bob {Cicherillo] said he's finding out exactly what's necessary for me to compete again. Only time will tell." If Priest is allowed to step on stage in A.C., he says he'll enter both the Open and Under 202 class; and with a guy of his popularity in that lineup, the show will surely be one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Lee's currently living in Scottsdale, AZ with his girlfriend Cammie. Despite suicide attempt rumors several months ago, Lee says, "All's well on the homefront. Cammie and I are getting along great." With emotional stability in his personal life and the financial and family backing of Team MD, Priest intends to hit the gym hard with his training partner, IFBB Pro Rusty Jeffers, in preparation for his return to competition.

There's no denying that Lee has always been a huge fan favorite and he's probably one of the most popular pro bodybuilders on the entire Internet. His take on the situation is rather simple: "I don't bullshit around. I don't have a big ego. I'm just like everyone else; I train because I love it!" Well, I guess "honesty is the best policy" because the fans can't seem to get enough of him.

When asked why he ultimately chose to re-sign with Muscular Development, Priest's answer was short and to the point: "MD is the best magazine out there! I always wanted to come back".