NOBLESVILLE, Ind. -- The reigning champion of the Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest will be on probation during this year's competition.

Joey Chestnut was sentenced to 180 days of probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor battery charge. The incident happened in March at a bar in Westfield near Indianapolis. Court documents show Chestnut slapped a man across the face during a night out. Chestnut's attorney called the incident a "misunderstanding," saying that Chestnut wanted to "accept responsibility for his actions, and he did."

The judge in the case granted Chestnut permission to travel out of state during his probation, so he will still be allowed to compete in the Nathan's hot dog eating contest on July 4.

Organizers behind the contest say he did not violate Major League Eating's code of conduct, as the incident occurred outside of any of the league's official activity, and was addressed by local authorities.