Kobayashi: “They (MLE) are trying to take away my freedom”

Kobayashi did an interview with the New York Daily News, where he says restriction from competing in in non-IFOCE contests is the reason why he is not extending his contract.

“They want complete control over me,” he told the Daily News. “I just want to compete and do what I love. They are trying to take away my freedom.”

Kobayashi says that he is training as if he will compete Sunday

Comments (57)

57 Comments »

  1. Mega Munch said

    July 1, 2010 @ 9:02 am

    Wow. A more succinct and accurate argument against the IFOCE non-compete clause has never been spoken. Good for Koby. It’s about time someone of stature took a stand against this rule.

  2. Anonymous said

    July 1, 2010 @ 9:20 am

    “I just want to compete and do what I love. They are trying to take away my freedom.”

    Well that’s pretty much it in a nut shell now isn’t it, and he’s one of the higher paid guys out there. Koby was the first to put CE on the map, and now he’t the first to wise up. The IFOCE are gonna have to loosen the grips on their eaters or else people will follow the same path Koby is doing.

  3. Anonymous said

    July 1, 2010 @ 9:34 am

    Seems Rhonda had some inside info.

  4. gastroboy said

    July 1, 2010 @ 9:53 am

    Yes, i suspected that could to be the real reason behind all this story. At first (2001 onwards), they just wanted him to compete at the event, no matter what and didn’t care about what other contest he competed in or not(i.e.: food battle club). But being not so dominant as he was before, it was just a matter of time they forced him to sign that exclusivity clause.

    Probably they are lying (again) when they say he has competed under those terms before.

    I understand the reasons behind that clause, and i know every other eater had to sign it, but now Koby has the possibility to do something about a clause that does not so good for eaters (specially to those who are not in the top 10).

  5. A. Nonymous said

    July 1, 2010 @ 10:02 am

    Too bad, so sad! Why should the great Kobayashi be allowed to do what the rest of us cannot?!?

  6. Words of wisdom said

    July 1, 2010 @ 11:19 am

    Wow that is beautiful Kobe . Does anyone know if there is a way to contact him other than his website which can drive one up a wall accessing it and trying to navigate through it . Please help

  7. Anonymous said

    July 1, 2010 @ 1:17 pm

    Koby is the face of competitive eating. He’s the sun. The IFOCE are his planets.

  8. Inspector Noodle said

    July 1, 2010 @ 1:32 pm

    attn attn Jo Rose gavonne was released from riker island yesterday. According to Jill Stoler facebook page one day after his release he attempted to contact her. Do not accept him as your facebook friend and do not accept any names you are not familiar with . This is not a joke

  9. the artist formerly known as Gavonne said

    July 1, 2010 @ 2:22 pm

    not at all true.I fearfully respect & will honor the order of protection & sure as hell do not want to go back to jail.If someone posing as me contacted her it’s got me shitting in my pants afraid.Please please please Jill don’t send me back to prison.I am at your mercy & will do anything you ask.I’ve paid for my crime & just want to get on with my life & my rehabilitation.Hate me if you want but I will do anything to not go back to jail.I am so scared right now I’m in a state of panic.What do I have to do?No,God,please don’t do this to me…

  10. fredrick rotanya said

    July 1, 2010 @ 2:53 pm

    FREE KOBI !! .. AND FREE THE REST OF THE COMPETITORS TOO.
    If Kobi does not participate in the contest on the 4th, and all the other competitors boycotted as well.. they could get another sponsor together. As usual, Kobi is pioneering again and IFOCE should just sober up. They can take the contest away from him, but obviously they can’t take his spirit.
    Kobi is batting the real food fight now.

  11. Mega Munch said

    July 1, 2010 @ 3:29 pm

    Has the IFOCE never heard of a grandfather clause? Koby was shattering world records on Coney long before the IFOCE’s stupid non-compete rule existed. If the Shea’s were smart they’d allow Koby to continue eating in whatever contests he damn well pleases because Nathan’s without Kobayashi is far worse than allowing him to eat in some non-IFOCE contests in Japan.

  12. Anonymous said

    July 1, 2010 @ 4:01 pm

    First off I don’t want to hear about Gavonne. Second I agree with A-1:17 and Mega Munch about Koby. Third where the hell is Rhonda Evans? Fourth where the hell is Rona Conti?

  13. Anonymous said

    July 1, 2010 @ 4:09 pm

    That Inspector Noodle is on top of things. Thanks I.N.! I was thinking about web camming myself but I won’t now.

  14. gastroboy said

    July 1, 2010 @ 4:10 pm

    Just an idea, if you have twitter and you want to join:

    http://twitter.com/eGastro101/status/17517537027

  15. Anonymous said

    July 1, 2010 @ 4:54 pm

    Prima Donna (two n’s) Did U C that haircut? lol

  16. Anonymous said

    July 1, 2010 @ 8:02 pm

    Good on Kobayashi. Hes showing his integrity.

  17. Gentleman Joe said (Registered December 8, 2005)

    July 1, 2010 @ 10:19 pm

    Its nice to see that Kobe & I are on the same page.

    Unfortunately, it took him 7-8 yrs to find the book.

  18. A change is coming said

    July 1, 2010 @ 10:53 pm

    Joe,

    I’m willing to bet dollars to dimes that in the next 2 years or so everybody will be reading that same book. This Kobe thing is really gonna open a Pandora’s box, I’m sure Nathan’s is not happy at all that Kobe won’t be there, and not because of a jaw injury but because of a ridiculous contract dispute. I’m sure Nathan’s is most likely a little sick of MLE’s actions the last few years and with Kobe not showing and this Conti thing I bet it’s the icing on the cake.

    Nathan’s wants the best in the world at it’s hot dog contest, not the best of the IFOCE, with Kobe gone I’m sure they won’t be upping their contract with MLE once it expires. Who’s to say they can’t put up their own qualifiers on and hire an outside company to host the event with legit judges. Not to mention it will be open to ANYBODYand EVERYBODY, we can finally see Furious Pete get a chance, Kobe will never have to bicker about his freedom, former IFOCE members like Joe Larue, Dale Boone and you (G-Joe) can compete.

    It’s become to political, this isn’t Communist Germany, this is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LAND OF THE FREE! Can I get an Amen?!

  19. A-Bomb said (Registered May 7, 2009)

    July 1, 2010 @ 11:15 pm

    And, it’s JUST EATING!!!

  20. Anonymous said

    July 2, 2010 @ 12:27 am

    Now we know. 3 months ago Koby was advertised as being in a hot dog eating contest in Waycross, Georgia.

    (pic link) http://twitpic.com/1d5ua4

    Hangman mentions it here on Eatfeats http://eatfeats.com/2010-las-vegas-nathans-qualifier-results.html (15th post down)

    The Hangman was at a festival with his wife and he was chosen to compete in place of Koby according to his twitter account. Also the hot dog eating contest was filmed for Georgia Traveler TV show. Looks like Koby could of done something good for small town America but with no money going in his “owners” pockets, he failed to show and they picked Hangman as their second banana

  21. WyattEarp said

    July 2, 2010 @ 4:56 am

    This was a smart move by Koby. He doesn’t have to get beat again and he gets to go out looking like some kind of pseudo martyr. Well played.

  22. Blizzz said (Registered July 16, 2008)

    July 2, 2010 @ 10:49 am

    I love how he’s getting interviewed in NY, is there any question that he WILL compete? Why would he be in New York if he weren’t going to compete!?

  23. Anonymous said

    July 2, 2010 @ 11:45 am

    He has already been in New York for months.

  24. Mega Munch said

    July 2, 2010 @ 12:42 pm

    My Nathans predictions, for what they’re worth (which is nothing) are below. Koby will compete.

    1. Chestnut 67
    2. Kobayashi 63
    3. Janus 52
    4. Bertoletti 48
    5. Shoudt 42
    6. Denmark 41
    7. Thomas 39
    8. Lee 37
    9. Monson 31
    10t. Gordon 29
    10t. Booker 29
    10t. Goldstein 29
    13. Davekos 25
    14. Conti 22
    15. Beard 17
    16. Adams 13
    17. Bosque 10
    18. Brown DQ (reversal after 28)

  25. anonymous said

    July 2, 2010 @ 2:00 pm

    Funny how OJ rifkin gets a google alert that BB was the first to finish the lebron james sandwich but deletes in favor of posting boring redundent interviews with Badlands booker Nate biller and kobayashi

  26. Jamminjoe said

    July 2, 2010 @ 2:20 pm

    I understand how Koby feels, I also just want to compete. I have never done anything to discredit anyone in the sport from the top on down(well except for a little thing in Sunrise). I try to bring awareness by doing. So now I sit here dammed if I do and bummed if I don’t. We need a minor league where eaters can hone skills and improve numbers to make the major league more exciting. let eaters eat without restriction or persicution. If its the dollar that is the issue than bill for non sanctioned contests. lets make the sport more credible and make it for the better.

  27. anonymous said

    July 2, 2010 @ 2:30 pm

    I agree with joe 100 per cent. Some of you like to jump on guys like lerman bb boone just to name a few calling them selfish childlike babies but isnt MLE doing the same exact thing when they act the same way by suspending or throwing eaters out of the organization just because they competed in a contest that wasnt sanctioned by them. Almost like the little kid showing his friend some toys tellin him no you cant have those they are mine

  28. I'm from the future said

    July 2, 2010 @ 2:33 pm

    Joe,

    What happened to you was a blessing in disguse, the amount of talent at the top is way to good for guys like yourself or anybody ranked 15 and lower to even have a chance to make any real money or fame. How many of the lower ranked guys out there spend around $500 plus to go to an event where they can’t even get in the money and some don’t even get their numbers reported on IFOCE’s twitter. All that training, hard work and money spent for a free meal and not even a mention!

    I truly believe this Koby thing is gonna make or break the future of competitive eating and the future of the IFOCE and their Empire. If they do what’s right and give eaters a little more freedom EVERYBODY can make money. But greed will take over like it always does.

  29. Mega Munch said

    July 2, 2010 @ 3:14 pm

    What would the Sheas do if all the eaters refused to get off the bus on July 4 until Koby was allowed to eat? They damn well should do that. Every one of them owes their eating careers to Kobayashi.

  30. anonymous said

    July 2, 2010 @ 3:45 pm

    The writing is on the wall MLE 2001-2011

  31. Anonymous said

    July 2, 2010 @ 3:47 pm

    They would shit a brick.

  32. anonymous said

    July 2, 2010 @ 3:50 pm

    Will never happen shofner toomany table enders like goldstein and conti willing to get off the bus just so they can get thrir mugs in the camera another year

  33. eatchugmore said (Registered December 16, 2007)

    July 2, 2010 @ 4:27 pm

    I think all the fault of this is of the same eaters, you allowed people that were not eaters themselves to handle and organization that should be from eaters, by eaters, for eaters, that’s the problem, eaters: IFOCE or any other organization is nothing without you!

  34. Gentleman Joe said (Registered December 8, 2005)

    July 2, 2010 @ 4:54 pm

    Most of the table enders would end up getting much more camera time if they did refuse to get on the bus.

    I only care about the $$$. Fame IS important for the $$$, so when its been awhile I’ll do something like AGT. I readily admit the 1st yr or two in CE, it is cool to see yourself on tv or in the paper. But, it gets boring after awhile. At least for me.

    I agree w/from the future 2:33.

    It would benefit me immensely if the ifoce would make most of their eaters happy, & allowed Furious Pete & maybe a couple others into the fold.

    These days the eaters owe more to Man VS Food than Kobe, but I get your point.

  35. anonymous said

    July 2, 2010 @ 5:45 pm

    This is like curt flood and the reserve clause days of 1971 kobe telling them to go shove it is going to open up alot of doors for other eaters to finally make some money

  36. Anonymous said

    July 2, 2010 @ 6:19 pm

    Megamunch you really think Juliet will eat about as many dogs as Sonya? Maybe you’re right. Maybe she’ll break Sonya’s female record. That would be something wouldn’t it? A story all of its own, especially since Koby might be a no show.

  37. A-Bomb said (Registered May 7, 2009)

    July 2, 2010 @ 6:25 pm

    Munch, I concur except on one.

    If he has enough cups then Conti could win this thing.

  38. Anonymous said

    July 2, 2010 @ 7:57 pm

    Koby is allowed to compete, he just needs to sign the contract that every body else signed, and it is the same contract he was in for more than six years. It is obvious that he is scared of losing again.

  39. actually said

    July 2, 2010 @ 8:36 pm

    Kobe isn’t one to back down. He just wised up and realized he can make more money doing stuff outside the IFOCE’s events. That’s all it really boils down too.

  40. Anonymous said

    July 2, 2010 @ 8:47 pm

    No it is not the same contract. The i.f.o.c.e. is showing their stupidity. T. K. doesn’t need them. He will make more money if he doesn’t sign. Lots more! He’s the most recognized face of speedeating, and he will cut deeply into the i.f.o.c.e.’s profits. They have to learn the hard way. This is what they deserve.

  41. Anonymous said

    July 3, 2010 @ 4:26 am

    I’m willing to take vets ot make a poll asking who thinks which eater will have more debris than the other in Coney. Conti oe Lee? Both of them have been caught cheating time and time again. There are even videos showing both of them cheating and neither wae ever DQ’ed because of it.

  42. fredrick rotanya said

    July 3, 2010 @ 4:35 am

    DON’T GET OFF THE BUS. . REVOLUTIONS START WITH ONE PERSON. DEMAND THAT KOBI COMPETE. OR MAYBE ALL OF YOU NEED TO SECRETLY WRITE HIM.. MAKE SOME PLANS.
    IFOCE IS NOTHING WITHOUT KOBI, BUT ALSO WITHOUT YOU.

    ALL OF YOU TOGETHER DOING SOMETHING LIKE THAT, WOULD MAKE YOU MAKE YOU FAMOUS ANYWAYS AND COULD GET NEW SPONSORS TO BE INVOLVED. SURELY, KOBI WOULD HOLD THE FLAG AND ALL OF YOU COULD MARCH TOGETHER. KOBI & ALL OF YOU TOGETHER, MAKE THE NEW RULES AND THE NEW FUTURE FOR COMPETITIVE EATING. DO IT! DO IT!
    WE FANS WILL LOOOOVE THIS.

  43. WyattEarp said

    July 3, 2010 @ 6:48 am

    that chinese dude, Kobayashi, can’t beat Chestnut. This is is only way to get his name out there. Oh well.

  44. I used to eat said

    July 3, 2010 @ 8:37 am

    I agree that if the eatrs refused to compet a message would be sent . Unfortunatly the premis of receiving ones 15 min of fame may be too great to pass up. the other thing is there is no “leader” in the movement just sparadic incidents. hopefully the powers to be can improve things for the better before it all goes to $h!T

  45. Anonymous said

    July 3, 2010 @ 10:22 am

    You’ve got the # 1 and # 2 eaters in the world at the weigh-in. Who needs that Japanese guy?!!!

  46. fredrick rotanya said

    July 3, 2010 @ 2:55 pm

    are you kidding??
    psst… #1 & #2 eaters in the world? who decides? – MLE?
    they don’t even hold contests in other countries besides the US.
    how can they decide who the top eaters in the world are ???

    anyways, the Japanese kid still has to be there. there is such a big chance for things to change, and if other players don’t start trickling in and saying something and rallying together – it will be such a waste, when in fact things could change in a big way.
    otherwise, Kobayashi will just end up doing something alone and freeing himself.
    things happen for a reason people. you can let it pass, or do something about it.

  47. anonymous said

    July 3, 2010 @ 3:33 pm

    I would have renewed faith in the eaters on that bus if they pulled a move like refusing to get off the bus unless kobe gets what he wants. It would show your true patriotism to the sport and the american flag instead of your 10 min of self ego inflated fame. Juliet and Sonya Thomas are the first ones that should take that stance considering both are asian but they won’t. A few of the butt kissin table enders from NY would never dream of starting trouble for they are grateful just to be up on stage for the 4th of july

  48. Free Koby said

    July 3, 2010 @ 4:03 pm

    I made a petition site to FREE KOBY!
    Please sign this to make the miracle happen!
    Thank you!!
    http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/free-koby

  49. S0 said

    July 3, 2010 @ 4:16 pm

    The great Bob Shoudt will win the belt!

  50. S0 said

    July 3, 2010 @ 4:24 pm

    I think all eaters should boycott Nathan’s until the great Brian Seiken has a place at the final table.

  51. A-Bomb said (Registered May 7, 2009)

    July 3, 2010 @ 4:37 pm

    Don’t hate the game, hate the player

    http://dogsarefunyes.blogspot.com/2010/06/huevos.html

  52. anonymous said

    July 3, 2010 @ 5:31 pm

    If the eaters try a move like not getting off the bus the sheas will just shut down MLE altogether and go back to selling commercial real estate . I know them they will not hesitate

  53. Anonymous said

    July 3, 2010 @ 6:23 pm

    It’s okay to hate things, but not people.

  54. fredrick rotanya said

    July 3, 2010 @ 9:14 pm

    well then.. let the Shea’s go back to selling real estate.
    they’re probably better at doing that anyways.
    Nathan’s can find a new pr company, and I’m sure they’ll be fine.

  55. anonymous said

    July 3, 2010 @ 10:00 pm

    anony 11:45 if that is true in fact that Kobe has been in NY for months, then that is extremely rude of him not to contact or spend some time with his fellow ny eaters aside from crazy legs. If he wants everyone to sit on the bus to take up his cause then he could pick up the phone or send an email letting everyone know the big apple is his new home

  56. Free at last said

    July 3, 2010 @ 10:08 pm

    Is this the 1950’s all over again with a scenario similar to Rosa Parks refusing to get off the bus in Memphis? How dare any of you have the audacity to even think such things. To even consider sitting for a long period of time on that fart laden school bus just to please Takero Kobayashi? Unheard of and you should be ashamed of yourselves for all the Sheas and Nathans have done for you. They could make you guys take the subway or a cab on your own dime instead of a bus convienintly picking you up in front of your doorstep.

  57. angelino said

    July 5, 2010 @ 2:03 pm

    None of the other competitors had a problem signing the MLE contract, so why should Kobayashi? I don’t buy that the issue for Koby is about freedom as much as it is about money. If he signed the contract he would lose out on endorsement and appearance money. If he didn’t care about money and just wanted to compete for the love of the sport, he’d sign the contract and he’d compete.

    He is the only competitive eater who does not have a day job. In a sense, all the other competitors are competing as amatuers who eat competitively because they love the game while Koby is a professional full-time eater. Despite that, Kobayashi isn’t even the #1 (or #2) eater in the world now. It’s like that time that Lebron James got dunked on by some college kid.

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