Japanese competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi was declared a free man by Brooklyn Criminal Court, provisionally cleared of charges of trespassing and resisting arrest after he stormed the stage at last month’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island.
The case, of which its misdemeanors also included charges of obstruction of governmental administration and disorderly conduct, ended with an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (A.C.D.). This means that if Kobayashi, 32, stays out of trouble for six months, his record will be restored. This is good news for the Nagano native’s New York fans, since he moved to Gotham earlier this year after receiving a 0-1A work visa in February for his “extraordinary ability or achievement.” His visa status should remain unaffected by the court’s decision.
Kobayashi is a six-time winner of the Nathan’s Famous contest, which is held every Fourth of July. As reported here, he was banned from competing this year because he refused to sign an exclusivity contract with its sanctioning body, Major League Eating. A statement from the federation said it “defers entirely to the judge and district attorney in this matter.”
When asked about the contract situation upon emerging from the courthouse, Kobayashi said, "Regrets? I have no regrets not signing the contract." He added that he does not know if he'll participate in future hot dog eating contests. "I'm not even thinking about that right now," he laughed.
Kobayashi’s lawyer, Mario D. Romano, praised the outcome. “I’m happy with the D.A.’s office’s work,” he said. “They did a thorough investigation, and in the end, to me an A.C.D. is for all intents and purposes a dismissal.” The district attorney’s office had no comment after the hearing.
“I’ve been up all night nervous about the outcome of today, so now I am thinking about what I’m going to eat,” Kobi, as he is nicknamed in the U.S., told reporters outside the Brooklyn courtroom.
“I would like to eat steak,” he said, measuring an imaginary cut with his hands. “Just a normal steak.”
Visit Kobayashi’s homepage at http://takeru-kobayashi.com/news_en.html.
How do you feel about this outcome for Kobayashi, and what should he do next? Post a comment below.
Want more from this Examiner? Click "Subscribe" above for free alerts to newly published stories on Japanese culture.
Comments
The Nathan Competition was rather boring this year. One-sided competitions fail to put energy in a competition. Hopefully, Takeru finds his way back into the competition. Cool article.
Suisun Blog covers the story.
????????????
You apparently do not have Japanese software.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!