There are many people in the world of competitive eating who see the landscape of the sport (if it can so be called) as inherently unbalanced. Like Barry Bonds‘ haters, there are even those who are calling for an asterisk on Joey Chestnut‘s wins at the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
The dispute stems from the criteria Nathan’s puts forth for the competition. Though it is easily the most famous competitive eating competition in the world, Nathan’s insists that participants sign exclusive deals with the hot dog company, and will not let them compete in events not sanctioned by Nathan’s. Due to a dispute over that agreement, Chestnut’s Sammy Sosa to his Mark McGwire, Takeru Kobayashi, has been notably absent since last participating in the 2009 July Fourth event.
Well, we’re not sure of all the details, but Kobayashi was, in fact, at the 2010 competition — and ended up being taken away in handcuffs.
According to TMZ, Kobayashi tried to rush the stage after the competition was over. However, he was detained by police, arrested and charged with resisting arrest, trespassing and obstructing governmental administration.
Check out Kobayashi being taken away — and adoring fans screaming his name — in the video below.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@FreeKobi0704
