Scandal rocks hot dog eating contest

CONEY ISLAND, NY — Less than a week after the 93^rd annual Nathan’s International July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest, controversy continues to swirl around the competitive eaters who participated in the event.

Defending champion Joey Chestnut was tied with six-time champ Takeru Kobayashi after the 10-minute time limit, but Chestnut won the event in competitive eating’s version of overtime – a five-dog eat-off. Kobayashi, though, seems reluctant to accept the loss.

“I’m not saying Joey took performance-enhancing drugs,” the Japanese eating superstar told SSNN. “I’m just saying I’d like for someone to test his digestive enzyme levels.”

This non-accusation – which looks and sounds suspiciously like an accusation – has the competitive eating world reeling. Much like the steroid scandal that rocked baseball and the gambling scandal currently being dealt with by the NBA, Kobayashi’s remarks have fans questioning the very validity of entire sport.

To put this in perspective, SSNN brought in former Sports Illustrated and current ESPN columnist Rick Reilly to explain the magnitude of this potential scandal.

Follow SSNN on Twitter!

“Anytime a competitive eater has their name mentioned in the same sentence as digestive enzymes, it’s going to cause a stir,” Reilly said in a smarmy and pompous tone. “And when that competitive eater just happens to be one of the premier personalities in your sport… well, you saw how the Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire thing turned out.”

Reilly also dispelled the myth that there is no accurate test for digestive enzyme levels. He explained there is a blood test that can accurately detect unnatural levels of digestive enzymes, but that competitive eating’s notoriously strong Eaters Union has rebuked attempts by the sport’s governing body to institute tougher testing standards.

Chestnut has been predictably quiet on the issue, initially only saying that his name would eventually be cleared. But earlier this week, he had a heated exchange with Reilly.

“It’s all rumor – completely untrue,” Chestnut said to a group of reporters. “I’ve never used digestive enzymes, and for the media to continue to give life to this story is irresponsible. You pariahs want proof? Then test me – anywhere, anytime.”

Reilly quickly offered to drive Chestnut to the nearest testing facility, even offering to pay for the test. But the two-time champ quickly backed out, saying he had to help open a local hot dog factory.

Since then, both Chestnut and Kobayashi have been unavailable for comment. William Booker, president of the World Competitive Eating Circuit, says the organization has looked into testing before, but that both the cost of testing and negative response from the Eaters Union have prevented them from doing anything. SSNN will continue to follow this story and provide updates when available.