Joey Chestnut's absence from Nathan's hot dog eating contest won't stop event, MLE president says

OutKick host Dan Dakich joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss his reaction to Chestnut's ban and Caitlin Clark being left off Team USA. 

Major League Eating (MLE) president Richard Shea insisted on Wednesday the show would go on with or without Joey Chestnut in attendance for the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest on the Fourth of July.

Chestnut, the 16-time champion in the Coney Island spectacle, will not be competing in the event over an issue with contract stipulations. Chestnut recently signed a sponsorship deal with Impossible Foods, which launched a vegan hot dog. MLE rules stipulate hot dog eating competitors cannot sign with rival brands.

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Joey Chestnut stuffs his mouth with hot dogs during the men's competition of Nathan's Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest, July 4, 2019 at New York's Coney Island. (AP Photo/Sarah Stier, File)

Shea said on ABC News’ "Start Here" podcast that the contest will still happen in Brooklyn, New York, next month.

"Yes, this is the biggest day in competitive eating," Shea said. "This is the Masters. The mustard yellow belt is Major League Eating’s green jacket. There’s no competitive eating fan, or I would argue sports fan, that would refute that."

MLE explained Chestnut’s absence from this year’s event.

"We are devastated to learn that Joey Chestnut has chosen to represent a rival brand that sells plant-based hot dogs rather than competing in the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest," MLE said in a statement."

MLE said it allowed Chestnut to participate in a rival competition on Labor Day, which will be broadcast on Netflix. Chestnut is reported to have made $200,000 for appearing in last year's contest