Nick Wehry, a seasoned contestant in Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, has been accused of cheating during the latest event. The allegations have turned the annual Independence Day celebration into a bun-believable controversy.
The Saucy Accusation
According to a report by the New York Post, Wehry, originally credited with consuming 46.75 hot dogs, allegedly moved an additional plate onto his stack after the competition had ended, inflating his score by five full hot dogs. Video footage purportedly shows Wehry shuffling and moving items, including at least one plate, around the table in front of him, thus boosting his final tally to 51.75 hot dogs and elevating his rank from fourth to a more lucrative fourth place, securing a prize of $1,000.
A Mustard-Stained Investigation
Major League Eating (MLE), the organization that officially sanctions the event, has launched a full-scale investigation into these allegations. The investigation involves meticulous reviews of the contest footage, interviews with witnesses, and consultations with culinary detectives.
MLE released a statement saying, “We have conducted a thorough investigation, carefully considering the complaint and reviewing video provided to us. Like many other professional sports leagues, it is our policy not to overturn judges’ decisions after the final results have been recorded.”
Wehry’s Response: A Relish in Defense
Nick Wehry, known for his iron stomach and cheerful disposition, has vehemently denied all accusations. In a text message to the Post, Wehry stated, “I stole nothing. If MLE determines I was miscounted, then fix my number. My placing did not change if this was the case. I would never want to take a placing or number I didn’t earn. I would never cheat at a contest, regardless of why. People that know me know that.”
Wehry’s legal team, aptly named “The Bun Defenders,” has also released a statement: “We intend to clear Nick’s name and prove that his victory was as genuine as the all-beef franks he devoured. We believe this is a smear campaign cooked up by those who cannot stomach his success.”
Miki Sudo: The Champion’s Stand
Adding another layer to this hot dog drama is the involvement of Wehry’s wife, Miki Sudo, the women’s champion of the contest. Sudo, who consumed 51 hot dogs herself, marking the first time a female competitor eclipsed the 50 hot dog threshold, staunchly defended her husband.
“I was watching Nick the entire time; there is a camera on him the entire time. There’s no way the judges got it wrong,” Sudo told The Post by phone, casting further doubt on the accusations.
The Social Media Grill
Social media has been ablaze with hot takes on the scandal. Hashtags like #HotDogGate and #WehryTheCheat have been trending, with users sharing memes, conspiracy theories, and even parody songs about the incident. One popular tweet read, “Who needs Watergate when you have Wienergate?” accompanied by a doctored image of Wehry with a suspiciously large fanny pack.
The Competitive Eating Community Reacts
Prominent figures in the competitive eating community have also weighed in. Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti, the winner of this year’s men’s event with 58 hot dogs, expressed his disbelief on Instagram: “I’ve known Nick for years. If he cheated, I’ll eat my hat – or at least a dozen donuts.”
Other competitors have been less diplomatic. Miki Sudo, another top eater, tweeted, “If these allegations are true, it’s a stain on our sport. Wehry needs to be grilled until the truth comes out.”
The Final Bite
As the investigation continues, the world watches with bated breath (and possibly some antacid). Whether Nick Wehry will be exonerated or find himself in a pickle remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will be remembered not just for the impressive feats of digestion, but for the controversy that has left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.
Key Takeaways
- Nick Wehry accused of cheating by allegedly adding an extra plate after the contest.
- MLE has conducted an investigation but decided not to overturn the results.
- Wehry denies the allegations, supported by his wife and women’s champion, Miki Sudo.
- Social media has erupted with memes and debates over the scandal.
- The competitive eating community remains divided over the incident.
