- Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, the 17-time champion of Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, is confirmed to compete in the upcoming July 4 event.
- Chestnut is currently serving 180 days of probation in Hamilton County, Indiana, after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge on April 20.
- A judge has granted him permission to travel outside the state, clearing his path to defend his title on Coney Island.
- The battery charge originated from an incident where Chestnut allegedly slapped a man at an Indiana bar, later telling law enforcement he was intoxicated and could not recall the altercation.
- Major League Eating, which oversees the contest, confirmed that the incident did not violate their code of conduct as it occurred outside any organizational event.
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