![Joey C hot dogs]()
A statement from the man himself.
Yesterday, news broke that
Joey Chestnut was banned from the 4th of July Nathans's Hot Dog Eating Contest after he inked a deal with competitor company Impossible Foods, which rolled out a vegan hot dog option. A spokesperson for Major League Eating said the contest has decided to ban the 16-time champion after they could not come to an agreement upon his appearance.
"For nearly two decades we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions. However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different brand over our long-time relationship.
Joey Chestnut is an American hero. We would love nothing more than to have him at the Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest. We hope he returns when he is not representing a rival brand.”
The
internet went into a spiral after learning this, noting that Chestnut was letting down America by taking a larger business deal, which would hinder him from competing.
Chestnut has now released his official statement, sharing with the American people that he is just as heartbroken to learn about his ban as they are.
"I was gutted to learn from the media that after 19 years I'm banned from the Nathan's July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest. I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th and I have been training to defend my title.
To set the record straight, I do not have a contract with MLE or Nathans and they are looking to change the rules from past years as it relates to other partners I can work with. This is apparently the basis on which I’m being banned, and it doesn’t impact the July 4th event.
Sadly, this is the decision Nathan's and Major League Eating are making, and it will deprive the great fans of the holiday’s usual joy and entertainment. To my fans, I love you and appreciate you. Rest assured that you’ll see me eat again soon!! STAY HUNGRY!"
He is not wrong in that last paragraph that viewers will be deprived of watching the greatest hot dog eater of all time on the 4th of July. It is also disheartening to learn that Chestnut was informed of this choice via social media.
The MLE's official statement noted that they were willing to let Chestnut participate in another glitzy gobbling contest, which Netflix is set to film. I hope that is true and that we see Chestnut on our TV screens soon.
FREE JOEY CHESTNUT.
https://twitter.com/IcyVert/status/1800593219396546676
