Joey Chestnut pleads guilty to misdemeanor battery after slapping patron at bar
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Joey Chestnut, 17-time Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery following a physical altercation at an Indiana bar in March and was sentenced to 180 days of probation.
- The incident involved Chestnut slapping a man after a handshake, with bar surveillance footage confirming the strike; Chestnut admitted to being intoxicated and reacting to offensive remarks.
- Chestnut expressed regret over the incident, with his team stating he aims to avoid such situations in the future and strives to engage positively with fans.
- His attorney confirmed Chestnut took full responsibility for the misunderstanding, and the probation period will continue through the 2026 Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, though it is not expected to impact his participation.
- Chestnut returned to the Nathan's contest in 2025 after missing the 2024 event due to a sponsorship conflict and won by consuming 70.5 hot dogs.