Joey Chestnut will compete at the annual Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest under unusual circumstances.
He’ll need permission to travel because he’ll be on probation, according to court records.
Chestnut, the 17-time champion, was sentenced to 180 days of probation after pleading guilty to a criminal misdemeanor charge of battery resulting from bodily injury, court records show.
The incident took place March 21 in Hamilton County, Indiana, where Chestnut lives. A guilty plea agreement was filed on April 17.
According to US Weekly, the guilty plea stemmed from an altercation at a local bar. Citing the affidavit, US Weekly reported the victim told police Chestnut struck him across the face with an open hand after the two exchanged a friendly handshake in the early hours of March 21.
So far, Chestnut appears to be having no problem traveling for competitive eating and promotional appearances. Earlier this month, he won the 2026 Ultimate Bologna Showdown in Knoxville, Tennessee, by eating 16 pounds of bologna in 8 minutes
Chestnut was scheduled to compete Tuesday, May 19, at Nick the Greek Gyro Eating Contest in San Diego.
He is expected to defend his title at Nathan’s hot dog eating contest in Coney Island, New York, on July 4.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joey Chestnut pleads guilty to battery, on probation for 180 days