Does competitive eating have a scandal on its hands that could call into question the integrity and credibility of the sport?
I thought so after watching several replays of the end of yesterday's Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, when six-time defending champion Takeru Kobayashi puked in the final seconds. International Federation of Competitive Eating rules are clear about reversals: Vomiting equals disqualification. Kobayashi's official total should have been zero.
But it wasn't. It was 63. Why? I put that question to Major League Eating President Richard Shea in a telephone interview this morning, and he told me this:
"The judges' ruling was that the reversal occurred after the buzzer. They also didn't characterize it as a full reversal because it didn't hit the table."
I believe the judges are incorrect: It appears to me that a few seconds remained on the clock when Kobayashi puked, and although I initially thought Kobayashi caught all of his vomit, I've looked at the replay yet again and I don't think that's right, either. However, I have the benefit of instant replay, and the judges didn't. Maybe they'll implement it at next year's competition.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Ok, you can stop with the hotdog posts now. Please no more.
Posted at 2:18PM on Jul 5th 2007 by Scott
2. Thank you Scott!
I've never met anybody more obsessed with weiners and vomit.
Posted at 2:27PM on Jul 5th 2007 by Sandy
3. Slow news day?
Posted at 2:51PM on Jul 5th 2007 by Nathan
4. Since when is an overeater considered an "athlete"?
Posted at 3:27PM on Jul 5th 2007 by Kate
5. Since when is an overeater considered an "athlete"?
Posted at 3:29PM on Jul 5th 2007 by Kate
6. Since when were you all appointed staff writers. If you dont like what the guy writes then dont read it.Nobody cares what you think..btw,let me see you eat 66 hotdogs until you can SHUT UP !!
Posted at 3:50PM on Jul 5th 2007 by fffghhhjjfd
7. I think all of you just have a problem with getting your ass kicked by Japanese or actually just asians in general. Shallow people like you... make me laugh! hahahahahahahahaha
Posted at 6:59PM on Jul 6th 2007 by Paul
8. I had posted to this issue on a previous thread. The 3rd place finisher was cheated out of $5000! That's Five THOUSAND. I enjoy the fun and games as much as anyone, but when money like that hits the table, along with some vomit, it's time to get serious.
Posted at 7:34PM on Jul 7th 2007 by Steve