B/R AM: Free Joey Chestnut

America's worst nightmare is here: Joey Chestnut won't be competing in this year's July 4th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.

What happened:

• Chestnut reportedly signed a deal with Nathan's competitor Impossible Foods, which 'devastated' Major League Eating (MLE)
• Chestnut said the deal is what led to him being banned
  
• MLE insists there isn't a ban in place, rather a problem of 'hot dog exclusivity' which is stopping him from competing
  

It's true (Impossible) hot dog beef.

MLE also said its open to letting Chestnut compete in July, but only if he drops his Impossible deal.

Relevant: Chestnut is the hot dog eating contest. He's won 16 Nathan's contests, including the last eight.

MORE: JOEY'S FULL STATEMENT

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