Joey Chestnut receives probation for battery plea in bar incident
Joey Chestnut was sentenced to 180 days of probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor battery resulting in bodily injury, according to court records. The 17-time Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion admitted the charge stemming from an altercation at Joe's Grill in Hamilton County, Indiana, on March 21.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. when a man at the bar recognized Chestnut and approached him. Court documents describe Chestnut pulling the victim forward before striking him with an open hand on the left side of the face, causing pain and bodily injury.
Chestnut told authorities he was intoxicated and did not recall the details of the encounter. He has filed petitions to travel outside Indiana for upcoming competitions, including the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest scheduled for July 4 in Brooklyn, New York, and received approval to attend provided he complies with probation conditions.
Chestnut, who was previously barred from the 2024 contest after signing with a rival sponsor, is expected to compete for an 18th title this summer.
