Ex-NFL player found guilty in dogfighting case

LeShon Johnson faces significant prison time following his conviction in a major dogfighting case.

Ex-NFL player convicted in large-scale dogfighting operation

LeShon Eugene Johnson, a 54-year-old former NFL player, was convicted of six felonies linked to a dogfighting operation in Oklahoma. Federal prosecutors stated that Johnson, who played for teams including the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals, ran Mal Kant Kennels and bred pit-bull-type dogs known as champions due to their success in fights. Each felony count carries a potential maximum sentence of five years and a fine of $250,000. Johnson had previously faced 17 similar charges but was acquitted. Authorities seized 190 dogs from his care earlier this year, underscoring the scale of the operation. His attorney argued that Johnson was merely a breeder, not a fighter, highlighting the complexities of the case.

This conviction highlights ongoing issues within animal welfare and the legal system's approach to dogfighting. With the FBI's involvement, it signals a strengthened commitment to rooting out this violent underground industry. Johnson's case raises questions about how dog breeding overlaps with dogfighting and the responsibility of those who breed animals for financial gain. Opinions about the severity of the sentence may vary, with some feeling that the existing laws do not do enough to deter such activities.

Highlights

The case sheds light on the complex nature of animal training and breeding laws.