READING, Pa. – America’s best-known competitive eater is on probation ahead of a visit to Reading.
Joey Chestnut pleaded guilty to two counts of battery.
It stems from an incident in March at a suburban Indianapolis restaurant.
Chestnut admitted to slapping a man who recognized him and tried to shake his hand.
He told police he was drunk at the time and he doesn’t remember doing it.
The six month probation will not prevent Chestnut from competing in the Nathan’s hot dog eating contest on July Fourth.
He’ll be in Baseballtown next weekend on Saturday, May 30, to take part in a pre-game eating challenge at 6 p.m. According to the Reading Fightin Phils, Chestnut will be eating the team’s famous cheeseburger dogs (a unique cheeseburger shaped like a hot dog and served on a hot dog roll).
Fans will have the opportunity to purchase a VIP meet-and-greet package, which includes a limited-edition Joey Chestnut bobblehead.