Why Wasn't Kobayashi Disqualified? Judges Ruled Puke After the Buzzer, in the Hands

Does competitive eating have a scandal on its hands that could call into question the integrity and credibility of the sport?

I thought so after watching several replays of the end of yesterday's Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, when six-time defending champion Takeru Kobayashi puked in the final seconds. International Federation of Competitive Eating rules are clear about reversals: Vomiting equals disqualification. Kobayashi's official total should have been zero.

But it wasn't. It was 63. Why? I put that question to Major League Eating President Richard Shea in a telephone interview this morning, and he told me this:

"The judges' ruling was that the reversal occurred after the buzzer. They also didn't characterize it as a full reversal because it didn't hit the table."

I believe the judges are incorrect: It appears to me that a few seconds remained on the clock when Kobayashi puked, and although I initially thought Kobayashi caught all of his vomit, I've looked at the replay yet again and I don't think that's right, either. However, I have the benefit of instant replay, and the judges didn't. Maybe they'll implement it at next year's competition.