I just saw an article in the Dallas Morning News that claims, according to the CBN website, that good ol’ Pat did a leg press of 2,000 pounds.
In the interest of bringing this news to Dopers, I held my breath and delved into CBN.com (kids, don’t try this at home). Lo and behold, here is the story - How Pat Robertson Leg Pressed 2,000 Pounds. Now, not one to assume that there was any hyperbole was involved I have to admit that I am just a wee bit skeptical. I mean, I know that I can leg press roughly 240 pounds, I don’t suppose that an extra 0 got added on by ol’ Pat, do you?
I’m a little skeptical. It seems like a stupid thing to lie about. Why not say you can run the two minute mile or the 100 meter dash in 7.5 seconds. You know, something cool.
Some leftie radio person was talking about this the other day and noted that the recognized world record is something like 600 pounds less than Robertson’s claim, that the person setting the record had to use specially redesigned and reinforced equipment and that in setting the record he blew out all the capilaries in his eyes.
This whole thing seems to be a PR stunt to help Robertson peddle some kind of phony health shake. I have no doubt that thousands of loyal 700 Club watchers will fall for it, but it might have been a little smarter of him to fake something just a little more credible. Like 500 lbs, maybe…or 50.
And now I have the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band’s “Mr. Apollo” running through my head …
“Five years ago I was a four-stone apology; today, I am two separate gorillas! No tiresome exercises! No tricks! No unpleasant bending! Wrestle poodles and win!”
I think it’s distressing that this is getting any news coverage, even as a joke, because it’s only going to turn into money in Robertson’s pocket. Although it does say something about public Men of God, doesn’t it? Not in the same way Jimmy Swaggart did, but it’s something.