Joey Chestnut to Defend Nathan’s Title With 180-Day Probation

Reigning champion Joey Chestnut will defend his title at the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4 while serving a 180-day probation sentence. The competitive eater pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge on April 20 in Hamilton County, Indiana, related to an altercation at a bar in March.

A judge has granted Chestnut permission to travel outside Indiana, clearing the way for him to compete for the Mustard Belt on Coney Island in New York. According to a police affidavit, the incident occurred in the early hours of March 21 at a bar in Westfield, Indiana, after a fan recognized Chestnut and approached him for a handshake. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Chestnut pulling the man forward and striking him on the left side of the face with an open hand. The victim complained of pain following the strike, which police described as non-consensual.

When questioned by police, Chestnut stated he had been drunk and did not remember the incident. After reviewing the footage, he reportedly told authorities the slap "looked like a joke." As part of his probation terms, which run through October 16, Chestnut is prohibited from purchasing firearms without...