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Mets' Juan Soto makes comparison about kissing girls to explain rumored strain with Francisco Lindor

Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor apparently do not believe in love at first sight.

The two superstars are the faces of a New York Mets team that was supposed to be a threat in the majors but is instead one of the worst teams in the league.

Lindor joined the Mets via trade in 2021 and signed a 10-year, $341 million extension, the first major move for new owner Steve Cohen signaling a true change of the guard; roughly four years later, though, Soto joined the fray on a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million pact.

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Numerous reports circulated that the two did not get along last year, their first as teammates, and it was an issue that lingered into this season. Perhaps Soto's deal, which includes boosted security, suites, and the potential to make another $50 million, caused a power trip between the two stars.

In any case, the story had begun to die down until this week, when Cohen all but confirmed the reports to be true but said they were getting along better.

"Frankly, I think that’s a story that was last year’s story," Cohen told the New York Post. "I am told and believe strongly that these guys are getting along much better. And so, I just don’t see that as an issue anymore."

That prompted both Soto and Lindor to be asked about their relationship on Friday night, and Soto, well, had an interesting comparison.

"When you meet a girl, you don’t start kissing her right away," he told The Athletic.

METS BRUTAL SEASON COMES TO HEAD WITH 6-ERROR GAME IN DOUBLEHEADER SWEEP, CHANTS FOR FORMER STAR OUT OF ANGER

Soto, however, did say there were "no issues" between the two "at all," despite reports continuing to say otherwise.

"The more time we spend together, it’s only natural that our relationship continues to grow," Lindor told the outlet. "We’ve been teammates for two years now. Time has been on our side. I have nothing but respect for him. He’s my brother. He’s somebody I respected from a distance and respect here, inside."

There have been reports that Lindor and Soto had their lockers moved to opposite sides of the clubhouse this season, and fans were taken aback when the two didn't exactly share the friendliest of pleasantries on Opening Day.

The Athletic reported that the two stars recently had "hard conversations," but Lindor shooed away that notion.

"It was just, we talked. We talk every single day, whether it’s hitting or different topics. But we definitely talk because at the end of the day, we are teammates and our job is to win games," he said.

Lindor and Soto have played just 15 games together this season due to injuries, but they are slated to be teammates through 2032.

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Newsom faces criticism for state's stance on trans athletes in girls' sports after SCOTUS ruling

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is once again facing immense criticism as his state continues to let trans athletes compete in girls sports after the Supreme Court's historic ruling on the issue this week.

After the court ruled 6-3 to uphold state laws that ban males from women's sports, Newsom's office said the state will continue to allow trans athletes to face girls.

"The Supreme Court’s decision does not affect California’s laws. The state remains committed to ensuring every Californian, including the LGBTQ community, is met with dignity and respect," a spokesperson from his office told Fox News Digital.A source within Newsom's office provided Fox News Digital a bulleted list titled "As a Governor, Governor Newsom has the strongest record in the country on protecting and expanding transgender rights."

NEWSOM'S OFFICE RESPONDS TO SCOTUS RULING ON WOMEN'S SPORTS AS CALIFORNIA FACES ONGOING TRANS ATHLETE WAVE

The list included several bragging points, including "making it easier to update gender markers on official documents," and "appointed multiple trans judges."

The statement prompted strong reactions on social media, as prominent women's sports activists like Riley Gaines and Jennifer Sey were quick to condemn Newsom for the stance.

Newsom's state was ravaged by a trans athlete national media crisis in May, for the second year in a row and third time in total in one year, as prominent trans athlete AB Hernandez competed in girls' sports.

AB HERNANDEZ ADVANCES IN CALIFORNIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AS SAVE GIRLS' SPORTS ACTIVISTS RALLY NEARBY

Hernandez won two track and field state titles for the second straight year. Ahead of the first round of the state tournament in early May, "Save Girls Sports" protesters led by former NCAA women's soccer player Sophia Lorey scheduled a news conference near the competition grounds.

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A source within Newsom's office previously addressed the news conference in the days leading up to the event in a statement provided to Fox News Digital, prompting controversy and criticism from locals."

The Governor has said discussions on this issue should be guided by fairness, dignity, and respect. He rejects the right wing’s cynical attempt to weaponize this debate as an excuse to vilify individual kids. The Governor’s position is simple: stand with all kids and stand up to bullies," the statement read.

Newsom previously declared that he believed males competing in girls' sports is "deeply unfair" during an episode of his podcast with the late Charlie Kirk in March 2025. President Donald Trump's Department of Justice is engaged in Title IX lawsuits against education agencies in California for its policies that allow trans athletes in girls' high school sports. The lawsuit was officially launched in July after Hernandez won two state finals in triple jump and high jump, and won second place in long jump, at last year's championships.

America's Founding Fathers plotted revolution over drinks at these historic taverns

Some of the ideas that fueled the American Revolution were discussed over drinks.

An important part of colonial life, taverns gave people a place to gather, exchange news and debate politics. Many became meeting places for the Founding Fathers and other revolutionaries as tensions with Britain grew.

Some of these taverns — like the Green Dragon Tavern in Boston — have been lost to time.

GEORGE WASHINGTON'S 1757 BEER RECIPE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE AHEAD OF AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY

However, there are still a handful of important Revolutionary-era taverns that operate today as museums, taverns or both.

Below are a few taverns where you can walk — and perhaps grab a drink — while following in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers.

Located in the Financial District, Fraunces Tavern was built in 1719 — a rare remnant of the 18th century in New York City.

The tavern is best known as the site of George Washington's famous farewell to his officers in 1783, and it operates as a restaurant, bar and museum today.

"Fraunces Tavern is a historic landmark and the oldest and most historic bar in the city," the tavern's website states.

HOW TAVERNS, ALE AND HEARTY MEALS FUELED AMERICA'S FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE AMID CONTINENTAL CONGRESS

"Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the tavern is a New York City landmark that once served as a watering hole for many of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America."

The tavern serves dishes such as New England clam chowder, fish and chips, steak and burgers, as well as cocktails, beer, wine and whiskey.

The Raleigh Tavern, founded in 1717, became one of Virginia's most important gathering places in the years leading up to the American Revolution.

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When Virginia's royal governor dissolved the House of Burgesses in 1774, colonial lawmakers gathered at the tavern instead.

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and George Mason were among the colonial leaders associated with the tavern, which Colonial Williamsburg's website describes as a once "one-stop shop" for travelers passing through the city.

"It provided guests with lodging, food, drink, entertainment and a stable for their horses," the site states. "Those staying overnight at the Raleigh Tavern slept in one of its dozens of beds, or on the floor, usually alongside other lodgers."

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The reconstructed Raleigh Tavern is open to visitors as part of Colonial Williamsburg, where guests can explore the building today.

"The stage for much of Virginia's revolutionary drama, some of the most fateful conversations of the American Revolution happened in the Raleigh Tavern's Apollo Room," the site says.

Buckman Tavern served as a hub of community life in colonial Massachusetts, according to the Lexington History Museums website.

"Built in 1710, Buckman Tavern was a gathering place for both locals and travelers, and the site of many important town meetings," the website notes.

In the early morning hours of April 19, 1775, Capt. John Parker and his militia assembled at the tavern before confronting British Redcoats on Lexington Green, according to the site. The confrontation marked the opening of the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

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The tavern continued operating after the American Revolution before later being repurposed several times and eventually becoming a museum.

Today, guests can visit Buckman Tavern to learn about Lexington residents before, during and after the American Revolution, as well as view 18th-century artifacts.

MIKE PENCE: The next generation needs faith in God and confidence in the American ideal

Two hundred and fifty years ago, fifty-six men gathered in Philadelphia and pledged to one another "their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor."

They were merchants and farmers, lawyers and physicians. They could not know whether the cause of independence would triumph or fail. Some would lose everything. But they knew with unshakable certainty that liberty was worth any sacrifice.

This Independence Day, as America celebrates its 250th birthday, we rightly honor their undaunted courage. But as we remember the past, we must also commit ourselves to renewing the ideals that gave birth to the Republic and have sustained it ever since.

SECRETS OF REVOLUTIONARY WAR BATTLEFIELDS EMERGE 250 YEARS AFTER AMERICA'S FOUNDING

The American Revolution was unlike any the world had ever seen. Kings had long claimed that their authority flowed from heaven to throne. Our Founders proclaimed something altogether different: that all men are "created equal" and "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights."

Those words turned the world upside down.

Our rights do not come from any sovereign; presidents, legislatures, judges, bureaucrats, or the shifting winds of public opinion. They come from God.

Government exists not to invent our liberties but to secure their blessings for every generation.

That enduring truth is the beating heart of the American experiment, and it explains why our Constitution has endured longer than almost any other in history.

At times, when America has strayed from its highest ideals, we have found our way back not by abandoning our founding principles, but by returning to them with renewed conviction.

Today, Americans disagree about many things.

We debate policy, politics, and the direction of our country. Such debates are healthy in a free republic. But before we are Republicans or Democrats, conservatives or liberals, we are first and foremost Americans — the grateful heirs of a remarkable birthright purchased by the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us.

Each of us received this country as an inheritance.

We inherited free institutions, constitutional government, and opportunities unmatched in human history because of the generations of Americans who came before us. They crossed oceans, settled frontiers, built businesses, raised families, defended freedom on distant battlefields, and left this Republic stronger than they found it.

Now that sacred trust belongs to you and me.

The Bible says to whom much is given, much will be required. Each one of us possess a sacred obligation to pass on an America freer, stronger and more prosperous to our children and grandchildren, who will themselves cherish the freedom we bequest to them.

Many fear that we are on the verge of failing this historic test. Gallup found that just 33% of Americans were "extremely proud" to be an American, down from 70% in the early 2000’s.

So, as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, let us resolve to teach our children why liberty is precious, why faith and freedom have long walked hand in hand, why character still matters, and why self-government demands citizens willing to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution no matter the cost.

The Founders’ generation did not believe America was perfect, but they gave us a framework to pursue a more perfect union.

They believed America was worth preserving, defending, and improving. Their confidence rested not in the government they created, but in Providence and in the character of a free people determined to govern themselves.

I still share that confidence. Some politicians and the media don’t want you to know a simple truth. Once you get 15 minutes outside of Washington, D.C. - the American people actually get along pretty well. I have long believed that there will always be more that unites us than could ever divide us.

Throughout my lifetime, I have watched Americans confront wars abroad, terrorism at home, economic crises, political violence, natural disasters, and bitter political divisions. Each time, the American people have proven that they are the most resilient, generous, faithful and patriot people the world has ever known.

With faith in the American people and faith in God, I know America’s future is bright.

The same Providence that guided our nation’s birth has not abandoned us. The same eternal truths that inspired the patriots of 1776 still possess the power to renew America today.

This Fourth of July, lets celebrate all we have been given and remember those who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor for a freedom they would never fully enjoy.

As President Lincoln reminded us in his second Annual Message to Congress America is, "the last best hope of Earth."

So let us this day resolve that when future generations gather to celebrate America’s next milestone, they will inherit one nation under God - strong, prosperous, and free.

Happy Birthday, America.

Post Malone, Eva Marie Saint and other celebrities who share a birthday with the Fourth of July

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, these celebrities are celebrating birthdays of their own.

From Grammy-nominated musician Post Malone to "Jersey Shore" star Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, these stars share their birthday with America's Independence Day.

Here's a look at celebrities born on July 4.

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Post Malone is celebrating his 31st birthday on America's biggest holiday.

The Grammy-nominated artist, born July 4, 1995, in Syracuse, New York, turns 31 this Independence Day. The genre-bending superstar is also helping mark the nation's 250th birthday as the headliner of America's Salute 250, a Fourth of July concert honoring veterans, active-duty service members and their families in Columbus, Ohio.

Malone, whose hits include "Circles," "Sunflower," "Rockstar" and "I Had Some Help," has continued his successful transition into country music following the release of his album "F-1 Trillion."

POST MALONE FINDS HIS COUNTRY RHYTHM IN UTAH WITH HORSES, FLY FISHING, AND GOING 'NAKED IN THE WOODS'

"Jersey Shore" star Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino has more than one reason to celebrate every Fourth of July.

Born on Independence Day, Sorrentino became a household name on MTV before turning his focus to recovery advocacy through Archangel Centers. Earlier this year, he also teased a future run for New Jersey governor, joking that fans could one day call him "Governor Situation."

'JERSEY SHORE' STAR MIKE SORRENTINO TEASES FUTURE RUN FOR NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR

Malia Obama is celebrating another birthday weeks after making a rare public appearance with her family.

Born July 4, 1998, in Chicago, Obama joined her parents and sister Sasha last month for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center before returning to her work in film. She made her directorial debut with the short film "The Heart."

Actress Melissa Barrera is celebrating another trip around the sun on the Fourth of July.

Born on July 4, 1990, in Monterrey, Mexico, Barrera broke out with roles in "In the Heights" and the recent "Scream" films before starring in the horror hit "Abigail."

This year, she made her Broadway debut as Rose in the musical parody "Titaníque" and launched a production company dedicated to championing underrepresented voices in film and television.

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Academy Award-winning actress Eva Marie Saint shares her birthday with Independence Day.

Born on July 4, 1924, Saint won the Oscar for "On the Waterfront" and later starred in Alfred Hitchcock's "North by Northwest." Now 102, she is the oldest living Academy Award-winning actor and has credited daily walks, family and friends with helping her stay active.

Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern has an extra reason to celebrate on the Fourth of July.

Born on July 4, 1961, Zimmern is best known for hosting the Travel Channel's "Bizarre Foods," where he introduced viewers to unique culinary traditions from around the world.

He has since expanded his television career with multiple food and travel series while continuing to advocate for global cuisine and food culture.

For Becki Newton, the Fourth of July means fireworks and birthday candles.

Born on July 4, 1978, in New Haven, Connecticut, Newton is best known for her roles in "Ugly Betty," "How I Met Your Mother," "How I Met Your Father" and Netflix's legal drama "The Lincoln Lawyer."

She also starred in the Fox comedy "The Goodwin Games" and has continued her run in comedy and television dramas throughout her career.

Legendary singer-songwriter Bill Withers was born on July 4, 1938.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee recorded timeless hits including "Lean on Me," "Ain't No Sunshine," "Lovely Day" and "Just the Two of Us."

Withers died in 2020 at age 81.

MARTINA MCBRIDE CALLED A 'COWARD' AFTER DROPPING OUT OF AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION

Born on July 4, 1910, actress Gloria Stuart was best known to modern audiences for playing elderly Rose in the blockbuster film "Titanic."

She received an Academy Award nomination for the role and remained one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses until her death in 2010.

President Calvin Coolidge remains the only U.S. president born on the Fourth of July.

Born on July 4, 1872, in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, Coolidge became the nation's 30th president after the death of President Warren G. Harding in 1923. He served through 1929 and is widely remembered for leading the country during the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties.

NC governor faces criticism for skipping Trump-backed America 250 event

Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., is blasting North Carolina's state government’s decision to boycott the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., accusing the state's Democratic governor of injecting politics into America's 250th birthday celebration.

Edwards said Gov. Josh Stein, D-N.C., chose partisanship over patriotism by declining to sponsor a booth representing the Tar Heel State, rejecting the state's explanation that budget constraints drove the decision.

"I think it's unbelievably unfortunate that our governor chose to not send representation from North Carolina to help celebrate such a momentous occasion and show patriotism," Edwards, who represents a large swath of western North Carolina, told Fox News Digital in an interview.

"But I know a lot of North Carolinians back at home, I know the folks in my district are patriots, and they certainly will be celebrating," he continued.

DAVID MARCUS: LIBERAL ELITES SEETHE OVER AMERICA'S STATE FAIR

The state government cited fiscal issues for declining to participate in the 16-day fair, which is currently underway on the National Mall until July 10. Every state was given exhibition space and each day features a different theme celebrating American history and culture.

"Our limited resources are focused on America 250 events across North Carolina, including one at the State Capitol in Raleigh on July 4," a spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources told The New York Times.

"I don't buy that at all," Edwards said when asked about the alleged budget concerns. "I think it's a political statement."

Fox News Digital reached out to Stein’s office for comment.

FIRST ON FOX: BEHIND THE SCENES OF ARLINGTON’S MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE FOR AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY

Rhode Island, Vermont, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington are among the other blue states that opted out of the Great American State Fair hosted by the Trump-aligned organization, Freedom 250.

Govs. Josh Shapiro, D-Pa., and Tina Kotek, D-Ore., are among the Democratic governors who opted out over concerns the event would be overly partisan.

The fair is one of several high-profile events marking the 250th milestone in the nation’s Capitol.

Still, several private sponsors stepped in to fund the North Carolina booth.

Amid Stein’s snub, the state's booth drew controversy after the inclusion of several Confederate flags as part of the display. The symbols have since been removed from the booth by fair organizers.

Stein criticized the display in a written statement obtained by NBC News.

"This flag does not represent the North Carolina that we love," the governor said. "America 250 is about unity and bringing our nation together. We are pleased the flag that did the opposite has now been taken down."

North Carolina joined the Confederacy during the Civil War, but the Confederate flag was never incorporated into the southern state flag's design.

Trump's Mount Rushmore address features 28 minutes of iconic words, 23 minutes of dazzling light, fireworks

President Donald Trump rang in America's 250th birthday celebrations with a 28-minute speech at Mount Rushmore and a fireworks display that might have rivaled his words.

"The American dream still lives, and the American flag still flies more proudly than ever before over the people who will not quit," Trump said at the end of his lengthy — albeit shorter than his usual hours-long — speech. "The nation that will not fail, the country that will not fall no matter how hard the enemy tries, we cannot be beaten."

As Trump spoke, across the world, Iranians buried Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at funeral ceremonies with calls for revenge on the U.S.

In perhaps the most iconic excerpt from Trump's speech, American exceptionalism was highlighted.

TRUMP KICKS OFF FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND WITH SYMBOLIC SALUTE TO AMERICA’S LEGACY

"Americans honor excellence; we admire boldness; we respect ambition," Trump said. "We are a nation of dreamers and believers, warriors and explorers, doers and fighters and in every human endeavor Americans see an unfinished competition.

"What is strong can be made stronger. What is fast can be made faster. What is great can be made greater than ever before. And that's what's happening with America.

"Show us a mountain, and we'll just climb it. Show us an ocean and we'll just cross it. Show us a problem and we will just solve it. Show us a task the world calls impossible and Americans will get it done."

Trump finished with a salute to his oft-repeated "golden age of America" mantra for the 250th birthday celebration.

LEE GREENWOOD SAYS HE'S 'VERY PROUD' TO STAND NEXT TO TRUMP DURING AMERICA'S 250TH CELEBRATION

"Tomorrow we reach a milestone like no other and celebrate with joyful hearts and soaring spirits, because after two and a half centuries, we know that this is not an ending," Trump's speech concluded. "This is only the beginning of the Golden Age of America. And together we will make America bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.

"I promise you that it's an honor to be your president. Thank you very much and Happy Independence Day to all. God bless you all."

The YMCA song and Trump dance followed in the Black Hills of South Dakota before a 23-minute light and fireworks display over the 60-foot carved heads of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

The Mount Rushmore fireworks were accompanied by the words of past presidents.

And the grand finale exploded for over two minutes to the tune of Bob Sharples' "The Stars and Stripes Forever."

Trump's relatively short speech, by his own standards, sets the stage for Saturday night's Washington, D.C., address, which he promises will be "very long," and accompanied by flyovers and what has had hailed as "the largest fireworks display in world history, 10 times larger than any that we've ever done in Washington or in the United States."

Here's why a certain small, blue pill could help England's World Cup team in its match against Mexico

England is gearing up for what is sure to be an incredibly tough match against Mexico in Mexico City.

And when the going gets tough, sometimes you need help from a little blue pill, right, fellas?

...Yes, that one.

MEXICO FANS CELEBRATED A WORLD CUP GOAL SO WILDLY THEY TRIGGERED SPIKES ON LOCAL SEISMOGRAPHS

While you may think Viagra has only one, very specific use, you'd be mistaken. The Sun pointed out that England's players could take the drug to help deal with the altitude in Mexico City if they felt they needed it.

Mexico City Stadium (which we all know outside of World Cup times as Azteca Stadium) is over 7,217 feet above sea level.

For comparison, the Denver Broncos' Empower Field at Mile High sits at — no prizes for this one — one mile or 5,280 feet above sea level.

But Viagra — which is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances — has been found in some studies to reduce feelings of fatigue and dizziness brought about by altitude by reducing blood pressure in the lungs.

It makes sense since it's primarily used for moving blood to... other places.

Something tells me this plan would be far from foolproof, but when you're playing the Mexicans in Mexico, you need any edge you can get.

HARRY KANE RESCUES ENGLAND FROM SHOCK WORLD CUP EXIT WITH TWO GOALS IN 11 MINUTES AGAINST DR CONGO

In fact, when England arrived in Mexico ahead of Sunday's match, the location of the team's hotel was kept secret.

That's because when Mexico took on Ecuador in the previous round, Mexican fans sat outside the hotel and did whatever they could to make sure they couldn't get a good night's sleep.

So, like I said, anything to get an edge, and if that means popping a pill that will improve your "performance," maybe that's just what the doctor ordered.

Hey, it's the World Cup; you do what you've got to do.

The legendary Joey Chestnut has taken wild ride to become GOAT of the Hot Dog Eating Contest

At this point, no Fourth of July is complete without Joey Chestnut.

Americans everywhere will run to their television sets at noon on America's 250th birthday as the world's greatest eater will aim to eat one hot dog for every year the U.S. has been in existence.

OK, that might be a stretch, but it is already a foregone conclusion that Chestnut will earn his 18th Mustard Yellow Belt in 19 attempts on Saturday afternoon.

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The greatness began in 2007, ending a run of six straight titles won by former GOAT Takeru Kobayashi, who actually injured his jaw ahead of that contest. Chestnut's 66 hot dogs defeated Kobayashi's 63 in a preview of a legendary career to follow.

A rivalry ensued between the two, with Chestnut narrowly beating Kobayashi the next two years, including via a tiebreaking eat-off in 2008. When Kobayashi was banned from the event in 2010, Chestnut took off.

Chestnut had won each title from 2007 through 2014, but he was the victim of a massive upset in 2015 to Matt Stonie, losing 62-60. But Stonie's glory was short-lived, and Chestnut went on to win each of the next eight events.

There was a new champion in 2024, but not because Chestnut lost - he actually was barred from competing after signing a brand deal with a Nathan's rival. After much back and forth, Chestnut was allowed back in for the 2025 event with just weeks to spare, and he reclaimed the title with 70.5 dogs and buns.

JOEY CHESTNUT REFLECTS ON RETURN TO HOT DOG EATING CONTEST AFTER CONTRACT DISPUTE, TEMPORARY BAN

"It was great. The audience is awesome, it's electric. It's good to be back after mending some fences," Chestnut recently told Fox News Digital of his return last year. "I do what I love. I got the best job in the world. I get to eat, travel, beat the heck out of people, and meet happy people. So it was great to be back."

Not all of Chestnut's titles have come easily. In 2022, Chestnut's eating was interrupted by a protester, but he miraculously put him in a chokehold and went back to business; he still managed to down 63 dogs and buns.

Even his likely championship on Saturday will not come without a wrinkle, as his 2026 eligibility was actually in doubt for a little bit amid a charge of battery. Chestnut drunkenly slapped a man at a bar in Indiana and pleaded guilty to the charge in April. He is currently serving 180 days of probation, but was granted permission to travel for the event.

His all-time record is 76, which he set back in 2021. It broke his own record of 75 from the year prior, which beat another previous record of 74 from 2018.

And while most are watching for one reason, Chestnut believes that this event is much more than just watching him.

"It's never about me," he said to Fox News in May. "It's not even about the hot dogs. It's the Fourth of July. It's an eating contest, but really, it's a Fourth of July celebration, it's a celebration in New York. And that contest, it's hard to describe exactly.

"It's an event, it's more than just an eating contest. It's part of the Fourth of July celebration for New York City, and I'm just a very little part of it. And when it comes to that celebration, I'm very happy that I was able to come back and be part of people's Fourth of July."

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Mike Vrabel pulled telling move with his wife before Taylor Swift wedding, and it's a bad look

For some reason, Mike Vrabel and his wife were invited to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding.

Why? I have no idea. Frankly, it seems like everyone was invited to this thing. At this point, I'm a little offended I wasn't invited. It seems like the entire planet was in attendance Friday at Madison Square Garden. I can't even imagine the bill. Makes me queasy just to think about.

Anyway, back to Vrabel ...

He was out and about with his wife, Jen, for the first real time since the Dianna Russini scandal erupted in the spring, and it was ... weird. Awkward. Uncomfortable?

SPORTS WORLD TURNS OUT FOR TRAVIS KELCE AND TAYLOR SWIFT'S MADISON SQUARE GARDEN WEDDING FESTIVITIES

Yeah, let's go with uncomfortable.

One move in particular really grabbed the internet's attention. As the two were on the way to the ceremony, Vrabel entered their car first and did NOT hold the door for Jen. Just opened the door and dove right in on his own, leaving his wife to fend for herself behind him.

It looks completely innocuous at first glance, but ... folks noticed. And buddy, they weren't thrilled:

I could go on and on. Seriously, it's a bloodbath right now. Folks are fired up over this disgusting breach of etiquette.

It makes sense, if you ask me. Mike Vrabel is coming off maybe the worst offseason of all time, and everyone is on high alert right now.

In March, the hotel pictures with former Athletic NFL insider Dianna Russini leaked, and everything started to crumble.

Russini was canned. Vrabel entered rehab. The New York Times dropped a 5,000 word story absolutely ripping its former employee. Just last week, the bodycam footage leaked from a Russini traffic stop earlier this year, and it was maybe the most embarrassing thing I've ever seen.

It's just been one thing after another for these two, and I fear it's only gonna get worse from here. The Times still hasn't released its finding from the investigation into Russini. That's coming, folks. It ain't gonna be good.

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Vrabel, meanwhile, has really only spoken a handful of times since the story broke. That's going to change in about three weeks when training camp starts and he's in front of the media every single day.

Perhaps some simple PR training is needed before that? If this video if any indication, it probably wouldn't hurt.

Always hold the door for your lady, fellas. That's Gentleman 101 stuff.