Joey Chestnut, the 17-time Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion, has been sentenced to 180 days of probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge.
The incident occurred at Joe's Grill in Hamilton County, Indiana, around 2 a.m. on March 21. According to court records, Chestnut was intoxicated when he approached a man who recognized him, exchanged a handshake, and then slapped the man on the left side of his face. The victim suffered pain to his face, but the situation was quickly defused.
Chestnut told authorities he was "pretty drunk and didn't remember" the event. His attorney said he takes "full responsibility for this misunderstanding."
Chestnut pleaded guilty on April 20, but has been granted permission to travel outside the state to compete in the upcoming July 4th Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island. He will be vying for his 18th title in his last 19 attempts.