Nearly 200 dogs seized from ex-NFL player in dogfighting case

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. (AP) - Former NFL player LeShon Johnson has been indicted for allegedly running a significant dogfighting operation, leading to the seizure of 190 dogs—the largest number ever confiscated from a single individual in a federal dogfighting case, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice. The indictment charges Johnson with possessing pit bull-type dogs for use in animal fighting ventures, as well as selling, transporting, and delivering dogs for the same purpose.

The dogs were removed from Johnson's premises in October 2024, where he is accused of operating "Mal Kant Kennels" in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. Johnson has a prior animal fighting conviction from 2004, for which he received a five-year deferred sentence.

In a statement, Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the severity of animal abuse and pledged that the Department of Justice would prosecute Johnson vigorously to protect innocent animals. Meanwhile, Johnson's lawyer, Courtney R. Jordan, has not commented on the ongoing case.

Court documents allege that Johnson bred dogs with multiple fighting victories and sold "stud rights" and their offspring to other dogfighters, extending the network of dogfighting across the U.S. This operation reportedly enabled Johnson to profit financially from his illegal activities.

If convicted, Johnson faces up to five years in prison for each count, along with a potential fine of $250,000. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the agency views animal cruelty as an integral part of organized crime, underscoring their commitment to eradicate such violent offenses. Johnson, known for his time as a running back with the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants from 1994 to 1999, now confronts serious legal ramifications for his alleged actions.