Joey Chestnut Continues Run As Most Dominant Bay Area Athlete

The Takero Kobayashi contract dispute created plenty of intrigue this week as some folks thought Kobayashi was just trying to play head games with three-time champ Joey Chestnut. However, Kobayashi was not on stage during today’s event, which might explain Chestnut’s less than legendary performance.

However, Kobayashi was in attendance, watching the contest from the front of the crowd. After Chestnut rolled to victory, things took a turn for the bizarre, as Kobayashi attempted to climb on stage. Police arrested him and took him into custody:

Then, several security officers appeared and tried to usher him off. He grabbed a metal police barricade with both hands, holding on tightly as the officers pulled at him. Finally, they dragged him down the stairs, with Kobayashi resisting vehemently.

He was under arrest Sunday afternoon, charged with resisting arrest, trespass and obstructing governmental administration.

Joey Chestnut rolled to an easy victory taking down 54 hot dogs and buns (HDB) in the 2010 Nathan’s Famous July Fourth International Eating Contest. It was a long way from his record of 68 HDB last year, but the combination of the heat and no Kobayashi on hand was enough to slow down Chestnut.

Tim “Eater X” Janus came in second with 45 and Pat Bertolleti finished third with 37.

Kobayashi did make an appearance at the event as he was spotted by ESPN cameras shortly before the event. Chestnut was asked about this after the event and he said that if Kobayashi was a real man he would have been up on the stage.

Whatever the case, congratulations to Joey Chestnut on his fourth consecutive mustard belt. He’s arguably the Bay Area’s greatest and most dominating champion.

The folks at sportsbook.com have put together a variety of odds for the July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest. It’s interesting to note they have not included Kobayashi at this point in their overall odds to win, odds for second place, or various proposition bets.

Over at 5dimes.com, they’re apparently offering two sets of odds on total hot dogs eaten by the champ: If Kobayashi sits out and Chestnut competes, the over/under is 68.5 hot dogs and buns; If Kobayashi competes alongside Chestnut, the over/under is 70.5.