Sport? Not A Sport?

SPORT
"There's a competitive element. I watch videotapes of other eaters to study their game, and you really have to train. I drink gallons of water to stretch my stomach."
—Eric Booker, who holds the U.S. record of 28 hot dogs eaten in 12 minutes

SPORT
"It's the sport of Everyman. If you've got Neanderthals in a cave and a rabbit walks in, that's a competitive eating situation."
—Richard Shea, president, International Federation of Competitive Eating

NOT A SPORT
"Just thinking about it makes me want to barf."
—Danielle Ammaccapane, golfer

NOT A SPORT
"They're gluttons, not athletes."
—John Burkett, Red Sox pitcher

NOT A SPORT
"There are enough hot dogs in sports."
—Ed McCaffrey, Broncos receiver

NOT A SPORT
"Who can't eat? Everybody can eat."
—Quentin Richardson, Clippers guard

NOT A SPORT
"In a sport your heart rate increases, not your cholesterol count."
—Sara Delano, USOC massage therapist

NOT A SPORT
"Eating a bunch of hot dogs is a hobby, not a sport."
—Rulon Gardner, wrestler

NOT A SPORT
"Where's the athleticism?"
—Mike Stanton, Yankees pitcher

NOT A SPORT
"That's a quick way to get obese. But I really like hot dogs."
—Kendrell Bell, Steelers linebacker