Joey Chestnut reflects on battery conviction before Nathan's Hot Dog Contest return

Joey Chestnut owns a new record that has nothing to do with hot dogs.

In April, he pleaded guilty to battery resulting in bodily injury. The misdemeanor conviction stemmed from Chestnut slapping a man in the face at a sports bar March 21 near Chestnut’s home in Westfield, Indiana.

“It’s a misdemeanor for life,” Chestnut told USA TODAY Sports in May.

Chestnut, who owns the record for most hot dogs and buns eaten during the 10-minute contest with 76, also owns more than 50 world records involving other foods, according to Major League Eating, which runs the annual Nathan’s contest July 4.

A 17-time champion at the Nathan’s, Chestnut will compete in front of thousands of spectators on Coney Island in New York on Saturday, July 4 for the first time since the incident. He’s been a crowd favorite for two decades and did not address how spectators might respond to him now.

But in May Chestnut did reflect on the legal matter. At the time, he said he was about to fly home from San Diego after competing in a gyro-eating contest.

“Heading back now,” he said. “Sitting in a middle seat, thinking about my decisions in life.”

The fact the criminal offense was a misdemeanor seemed to be of little consolation to Chestnut.

“Not a felony,” he said. “Still bad.”

Later, he added, “I could’ve done worse, but I should have done better.”

After pleading guilty April 20, Chestnut was sentenced to 180 days probation and he was required to notify his probation officer before traveling to New York for the Nathan’s contest.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joey Chestnut reflects on battery conviction before Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest return