Comments on: Kobayashi on 2008 Nathan’s finals

By: Gentleman Joe

Gentleman Joe — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:27:19 +0000

I don’t believe Kobe qualified back in 2001. I’m fairly sure he was given a bye.

I believe the reason for Krystals, was the illness/death of his mother.

The jaw thing was likely created by the Shea’s. Maybe they can up w/something good for one of the high talent, low charisma eaters they have now.

Joey may have the record, but he doesn’t have the street cred. If Joey & Pat don’t show, but Kobe does, the Shea’s save $$ & don’t lose much. If Joey & Pat are there & Kobe’s not, the fans will be disappointed.

A union as stated by some isn’t the best idea, more like an alliance, or association.

By: North Pole

North Pole — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:56:35 +0000

There are pros to a union. There are cons to a union. I’m not anti-union, just want to point out a potential issue. Lets say you are in a union, we’ll call it the Union For Our Competitive Eaters, UFOCE for short, and someone wants to have a contest. They contact the UFOCE and say they want to have a contest with some of thier people there. The UFOCE says “Great, but all of the eaters have to be part of our Union or else they can’t compete, because it is now a UFOCE event. And if they are part of that other really cool group with the great people, we wont let them in at all.” What have you gained? For the most part, union dues and probably a nifty little card that says you are a member. Your best eaters are always going to make the best money, as it should be. I know its not all about the money, but that’s what covers travel expenses, training, and everything else that goes along with it.

I think going by the rules that are written is the best thing. Everyone knows before what to expect from the event, and what is expected of them by the event.

By: Super Paul

Super Paul — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:55:59 +0000

I also agree with U S Male’s powerful statement

By: US MALE

US MALE — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:32:14 +0000

Super Paul should be allowed into the finals because he has a kick-ass song written about him.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:55:39 +0000

Formation of a union is the only way to stop being crapped on… the only way… and there is many pros to having a union and zero cons in a limited sport like this every body gets treated the same way and abides by the rules that are written …

By: Super Paul

Super Paul — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:38:13 +0000

I like that part about the “funny to look at” people, and think that’s a great idea!

But, I also think you need to qualify to be in the finals. Too many eaters train too much, travel too many miles without any compensation, to give somebody a spot at the table. Koby is a great champion, but so are Pat, Bob, Rich, Tim, Sonya, Joey, et al. No fair giving away spots to the finals.

By: Maybe

Maybe — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:32:14 +0000

Maybe Koby is still suffering, won’t show up, and can’t compete. Maybe this is why he hasn’t shown up for a qualifier. Everybody but the champ has to qualify, formality or not. Maybe Koby lost too much face not stuffing his face enough at Las Vegas. I mean, he lost to everyone except El Toro.

I hope he has enough pride not to show his face unless he has enough pride to qualify like everyone else. Should every former champion be given an automatic berth? That’s just stupid reasoning. Should every World Series Champ be in the next year’s World Series without playing a regular season “qualifying” game? When you think about it that way, the answer has to be, make him qualify.

The Nathan’s ratings will be fine with or without him. I don’t think it is a stupid formality for him to qualify after what we saw in Vegas. I think Koby can and will be beat, unfortunately, mostly due to his mouth problems. I also think Koby was the greatest, but, if he really wants to be the greatest again, he has to win the heavyweight belt back by “working his way” to the top, not just showing up on the Mount Everest of Eating by being dropped there from a helicopter!!

It’s the sponsor’s show. They’ll do what they want. If you are a serious eater, then maybe this should be a problem. We love this stuff, have tons of fun doing it, but qualifying is part of the game, and I’m offended when people get automatic gifts like a coveted seat at the Nathan’s table. I hope this doesn’t happen.

What is this, “The Celebrity Apprentice” of eating? Why not bring in William “The Refrigerator” Perry again, or let El Toro or Hangman or SuperPaul or that Pope guy from years ago compete because they are funny to look at? Why not bring back Don Lerman or Cookie Jarvis or Carlene - they were great, why should they have to qualify….give them an automatic berth. Koby in the finals with out qualifying?!? Bull!

By: Steakbellie

Steakbellie — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:12:33 +0000

I know we take this stuff seriously, but the reality is that if Nathans wants a Joey-Koby showdown, having him Qualify is just a stupid formality. They probably dont see the need to jump through the hoops or even explain it to us. They’re the sponsor, the sponsor is always right.

I’m not saying I endorse that idea, but I do believe that’s what might happen, so dont be too upset.

By: Bronson Fan

Bronson Fan — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:33:49 +0000

Absolute horseshit if he does not have to qualify!!!!

By: the boy king

the boy king — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:47:27 +0000

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/weather/06/27/north.pole.melting/index.html

Mitolo - you’re screwed. ha ha ha!