Kobayashi charges dropped, pizza contest in Canada next
update Aug 6 #2 TMZ.com: Pat Bertoletti thinks Kobayashi should have been convicted for resisting arrest
update Aug 6 The New York Times and Wall Street Journal have blog entries (from comment)
update 12:48 The New York Post, Brooklyn Papers and AOL Weird News have articles. TMZ has a video of the some of the post-hearing press conference. The Canadian pizza contest will be a non-IFOCE event and take place on August 21.
update 10:30 In the press conference, Kobayashi said his next contest will be a pizza eating contest in Ontario, Canada.
update 10:22 The AP reports that the charges against Takeru Kobayashi will be dropped if he stays out of trouble for 6 months.
update 10:18 Someone said all charges have been dropped
TMZ is currently has live video outside the Brooklyn courthouse where Takeru Kobayashi is appearing this morning. (via email) Three fans are offfering support.
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Anonymous said
August 5, 2010 @ 10:19 am
must be a slow day at TMZ; no Lindsay Lohan shenanigans occurring today.
anonymous said
August 5, 2010 @ 10:31 am
OJ you should think about having a chat room. This was a farce. Not even a slap on the wrist. All charges dropped. . Now he can go to Coney Island and order 70 hot dogs
Anonymous said
August 5, 2010 @ 10:53 am
WOW! Kobayashi was beautifully suited up, Maggie James is a terrific interpretor, Koby understood a lot and laughed and joked and was thoughtful even though he spoke in Japanese. Very very interesting.
anonymous said
August 5, 2010 @ 11:15 am
some of you live in a dream thinking that Kobe will be back with MLE. It is over and done with. When you fail to sign their contract or violate the contract they want nothing to do with you for the rest of their lives
"Tiny" said (Registered March 5, 2008)
August 5, 2010 @ 11:18 am
Kobe vs Pete? International independent clash of Titans?
Anonymous said
August 5, 2010 @ 11:48 am
Maybe the wave of the future is to have one top eater against four amateurs or variations of that. Makes perfect sense for the sponsors, saves money, involves the public and the fans. MLE is already going with that some of the time.
Koby versus Pete could be excellent because both are very well known. Koby did break a barrier to freedom. He has his. And really, given what he did in the heat of the moment along with MLE which jumped also, does anyone really think he deserved to have a criminal record and more than having the charges dismissed.
He may have helped MLE with publicity. Sometimes what is said, negative or positive, is not as important as getting attention. I do not agree with that, but it is just the way things are. There are very serious crimes committed to worry about, let’s move on on that issue. Koby helped all eaters.
Ben Do said
August 5, 2010 @ 12:10 pm
When and where is this pizza eating contest in Ontario?
Anonymous said
August 5, 2010 @ 12:34 pm
Give it a little bit of time. Koby said he had offers but couldn’t respond definitely until his court case was decided.
Mega Munch said
August 5, 2010 @ 1:26 pm
Awesome news. This means Koby can stay in NYC. That’s the real story here. What’s sad is that now that he’s living here in the US, which means he can compete in LOTS more IFOCE events, he’s on the outs with the IFOCE.
Anonymous said
August 5, 2010 @ 2:24 pm
I do not think Kobayashi has any desire to re-sign (yes he would have to be resigned to losing his freedom) with MLE nor do they want him. He doesn’t need them, and they do not need him though they will have to make Nathan’s a bit more interesting maybe. I think every eater in MLE is dispensable including the top 5. Koby kept Joey going for Nathan’s, it doesn’t matter whether or not he could have beat him this year. Even if every single eater refused to sign the MLE contract, there would be others more than happy and willing to take their places, 1- 50. The days of a monopoly are over. This is good for all organizations and eaters. All have their freedom to sign or not sign, do as they wish. There are plenty of opportunities out there to suit every level.
Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)
August 5, 2010 @ 3:59 pm
Nothing against Pete, as he is a tremendous eater, but there is only one Takeru Kobayashi. Pete would hang with Koby for a few minutes, but Koby would annhilate Pete in all foods in contests of 5 minutes or more.
If Pete believes differently, he would live up to the adjective in his name after the contest was over.
Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)
August 5, 2010 @ 4:01 pm
Koby has stayed out of trouble for over 30 years. Six months is a cinch. Six years is a cinch.
anonymous said
August 5, 2010 @ 5:02 pm
anony 2:24 is correct . Koby is done with IFOCE and the IFOCE is done with him. The only minor stipulation is that he is still in the rankings.. Larue was removed at the snap of a finger because there was some kind of arrogance about him the Sheas didn’t care for especially those contests he took part in. I will bet the ranch US Male and Keeler keep their respective rankings and continue to register and compete for a long time to come. Thats just the way it is. “What about this one ” line just doesn’t wash in the MLE organization
Biggest loser said
August 5, 2010 @ 5:05 pm
No longer can Pete dodge a quality eater and blame it on unsubstantiated excuses. It would great to see Pete eat against Koby, but I doubt that Pete would let that happen because he knows he’ll get beaten badly and his claims being a great eater will be exposed for all to see. Eating against Koby isn’t like eating watermelon against some amateurs. Pete is no where near Koby’s league, and his only hope would be for Koby to ease off on him to make it more exciting. But knowing Koby’s competitive nature he would never let that happen. Pete’s only two choices now are to invent some excuse on why he can’t eat against Koby or eat against Koby and lose badly — both options make Pete the biggest loser.
"Tiny" said (Registered March 5, 2008)
August 5, 2010 @ 5:25 pm
I just wanna see the match up Rhonda.
Hmm said (Registered November 12, 2009)
August 5, 2010 @ 6:14 pm
There is an article in today’s Wall Street Journal blog section about today’s events. I think I found the link from eatfeats twitter. You can leave comments and yes, you do not have to give the name on your birth certificate, BUT you have to be thoughtful and polite. There is quote from a Shea and from Gravy Brown.
Gentleman Joe said (Registered December 8, 2005)
August 5, 2010 @ 6:24 pm
I strongly disagree w/biggest loser.
I think Pete would PAY for the chance to compEAT against Kobi.
It probably wouldn’t bother him if he lost, for the chance to measure himself against the best.
anonymous said
August 5, 2010 @ 6:36 pm
In the post article he says he was there to cheer on his eating buddies/ What eating buddies? Has he ever emailed or called anyone from MLE for a beer or dinner or just to hang out ? The only eater he has dined out with is crazy legs conti and that was conti making the initial contact with him. Never considered him a social butterfly but more of an independent loner /
"Tiny" said (Registered March 5, 2008)
August 5, 2010 @ 6:56 pm
Well said Joe.
gastroboy said
August 5, 2010 @ 7:16 pm
I’m happy for Koby :). I strongly disagree with the Bigger losser and Rhonda, Pete has improved a lot since his first shows at youtube. I’d root for Koby, and i think ATM Koby would win Pete more times than Pete would beat him, but as (i hope) he keeps improving, matches between them two will get more interesting, as far as to become the biggest non ifoce rivalty of all time. It will be nice to watch afterall.
Anonymous said
August 5, 2010 @ 8:40 pm
Pete would top Joey so Koby would be a piece of cake!
Generous Good Guy said
August 5, 2010 @ 9:37 pm
The Sheas brothers should just give him want he wants! Instead they are so disgustingly cheap. I bet my life they would rather strave then buy food. I’d hate to live a life of extreme greed and corruption. Kobi made the sport and now unlike in real sports the Sheas want total control and the bigger piece of the pie. Have you ever heard of an agent making more than the superstar? Well now you have it’s called MLE.
anonymous said
August 5, 2010 @ 11:46 pm
generous good guy if i could give you a thumbs up on that one i would. I wouldnt want my son to grow up being like either of them. Cheap till the day they die Agent making more than the superstar. I did not think of that LOL
piewoodpizza said (Registered August 6, 2010)
August 6, 2010 @ 12:02 am
the pizza contest kobayashi is attending will take place aug.22 in barrie ontario at PIE. visit this website http://www.eatmypie.ca
Steakbellie said (Registered August 11, 2006)
August 6, 2010 @ 12:34 am
I dont know, I think Koby has been treated pretty well by the Sheas. They went out and found him all the best contests, media and money. How long is $1,500 and a free parking spot in Ontario gonna last? Is there a big demand for parking in Ontario????
Biggest loser said
August 6, 2010 @ 12:35 am
Gentleman 6:24: Excellent point. I see your logic that Pete would love to eat against Koby. Just the fact Koby would choose to accept Pete as a competitor gives Pete instant cred and Pete would love the publicity. But, for those who follow the ce world and those “ESPN-type” sports reporters who show some interest in ce, a competition against Pete may be viewed sadly as the only the option available to Koby at this time following an embarrasing incident. I mean a pizza contest in Ontario is not exactly Nathans or Krystals. A sloppy second compared to the Koby/Chestnut rivalry.
Gentleman Joe said (Registered December 8, 2005)
August 6, 2010 @ 1:15 am
There is no rivalry. In CE, currently there is Kobi, MvF, & then Joey a distant 3rd. Sonya, &/or Juliet are a close 4th. (I’m not saying they look alike, just that the general public sees them as the same)
Just like w/the Shea’s, show the BENJAMINS. That’s all that matters.
Krystals probably isn’t happening BECAUSE the Shea’s don’t have Kobi.
They better have a long term contract w/Nathan’s, or Nathan’s might jump to Kobi.
gastroboy said
August 6, 2010 @ 7:24 am
Steakbellie, Koby will probably make more than 1500$ attending that contest. He can still make a decent living, at the cost of participating in more contests (which doesn’t seem to be an issue for him). I dunno if he will earn more or less money than he did when he was with the sheas, but he’ll probably still make a pretty decent amount of it. BTW Sometimes it’s not about the money.
anonymous said
August 6, 2010 @ 8:48 am
Is it official that Kobi and Furious Pete will be in the pizza contest?
Rob from the UK said
August 6, 2010 @ 9:29 am
Glad Kobi has had his charges dropped. He basically made MLE what it is today, so I have no doubt he will cause other associations to grow as he competes in their contests.
As for Kobi vs Pete, personally I dont think Pete has the mental power or possibly capacity to match Kobi. Im sure he would do a good job of keeping up though as he does have speed.
SPBBBBMBBB said
August 6, 2010 @ 10:13 am
Joe, you are right on with most of your comments, however, no Koby isn’t the reason Krystals was canned. Blame the economy, blame it on the fact there’s no Kenny Hammondtree to help Brad with the contest (Kenny works elsewhere now), but, Brad really wanted to have the contest – other factors got in the way….
Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)
August 6, 2010 @ 10:27 am
I think Joe is correct that Krystals not happening has something to do w/ a Koby-less IFOCE. Koby is the Krystals champ, and look how he was treated on July 4th! Krystals may have construed that like they do dunking their sliders.
The general public knows nothing of Juliet and Sonya. Fans of CE, however, are able to differentiate between the two, just as they would be able to differentiate Kobayashi from Oguni.
I’d love to see Pete compete against Koby, just to prove my point. Joe has topped Pete, and Bob has topped Joey in various contests. That’s because Pete and Joey are not Kobayashi.
Does anyone out there actually think Joe or Bob would ever beat Koby in any event? You have a better chance of winning a lucrative scratch-off lottery than that happening.
Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)
August 6, 2010 @ 10:41 am
I actually thought GJoe WAS The Biggest Loser. Both concepts go together.
🙂 Just kidding Joe. I’m practicing, in case you ever revive Speedeat.com, and you need a contributing editor to play the part of an a**hole, like you so adeptly did for a couple of years.
Anonymous said
August 6, 2010 @ 10:54 am
GJoe, for all his bluster and sass, brings some sanity and thoughtful ideas to competitive eating. He is as free as Kobi, and the comparison is apt. He says what he thinks and sticks to his principles. The future with Kobayashi, currently a free independent eater, will be very interesting. Koby versus Pete versus GJoe or anyone, for humility and talent, Kobayashi is still number one. He is currently self described as “Kobayashi is now regarded as one of the leaders in this 21st century sport.”
Rhonda Evans said (Registered March 6, 2008)
August 6, 2010 @ 11:19 am
I’m sittin’ on Joe’s sass. His bluster’s probably down there somewhere, but I’m too lazy to get up.
anonymous said
August 6, 2010 @ 11:38 am
Rhonda do you have anything else to do but go through each thread with your arrogant opinions? What is this “just kidding joe” Menchetti could care less if you butter him up or insult him. I find it so hard to believe that you are just a fan of the sport and not someone directly involved. More of a fanatic if you ask me
Hmm said (Registered November 12, 2009)
August 6, 2010 @ 12:07 pm
Steakbellie, do you really think the Sheas gave more than they got and that Kobayashi is going to suffer and be in a lesser league?
Anonymous said
August 6, 2010 @ 9:35 pm
I think pat bertoweeny should be convicted for being an ifoce kiss ass.
Steakbellie said (Registered August 11, 2006)
August 6, 2010 @ 10:26 pm
Gastro,
I dont have any problem with Koby out on his own. There are plenty of opportunities for Koby out there but I think it will be hard for him to manage a continuous looking for contests esp with the language barrier. Joey and Pat have day jobs, I’m not aware that Koby has any income outside of eating. He’s such a force that he will be ok, but look at Joey this week. The IFOCE arranged a whole tour for him and he doesnt have to worry about the details. Just show up!
Anonymous said
August 6, 2010 @ 10:49 pm
The IFOCE does a tremendous job of taking care of their top eater.
anonymous said
August 7, 2010 @ 12:31 am
Plenty of ifoce ass kissers Lets see . Conti is numero uno. Janus, Booker, Sonya, Hunt, Davekos, Kevin Ross , Shredder, Superpaul. Have i left anyone out?
Anonymous said
August 7, 2010 @ 2:13 am
Yeah. Bertoweeny.
Anonymous said
August 7, 2010 @ 9:27 am
Gastroboy’s sometimes it’s not about the money is well taken. Koby must still have money he made in Japan before he ever came to the US. Reading his new website in English tells a lot about his commitment to making competitive eating a recognized sport with respect for it. It isn’t only contests for him now. Commercials, appearances, he is free to do as he wishes. Joey has been the flavor of Nathans for a while and will ride that train with bucks. How about the rest of the eaters in MLE?
Badlands Booker said (Registered October 9, 2008)
August 7, 2010 @ 11:55 am
Anon 12:31 you forgot your momma hater.
Booker rules said
August 7, 2010 @ 1:07 pm
Plenty of losers who post in their mom’s basement at 12:31 and 2:13 in the morning jealous about people who have actually accomplished something in their lives Lets see. Anonymous 12:31 a.m. is numero uno. Anonymous 2:13 a.m. Have i left anyone out?
anonymous said
August 7, 2010 @ 9:12 pm
Booker rules, this is pointless stupidity that does not prove a thing. There is no reason to bring anyone mother into the conversation. . Yo mamma this and yo mamma that is an ignorant form of pure hate which has no business in this forum
Anonymous said
August 7, 2010 @ 9:44 pm
This garbage belongs in the toilet.
Anonymous said
August 7, 2010 @ 10:54 pm
Stop giving Rhonda shit. Her posts are the only reason I come here.
Anonymous said
August 7, 2010 @ 11:22 pm
WTF are u talking about?!!!