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 large dogfighting operation, leading to the seizure of 190 dogs—the highest number ever taken from a single individual in a federal dogfighting investigation, as reported by the U.S. Department of Justice. Johnson, based in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, faces charges for possessing pit bull-type dogs for use in animal fighting ventures and for selling and transporting dogs for similar purposes.

The dogs were confiscated from Johnson in October 2024, with authorities identifying his dogfighting operation as "Mal Kant Kennels." Court documents indicate that Johnson has a history with animal fighting, having pleaded guilty to state charges in Oklahoma in 2004, for which he received a five-year deferred sentence.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned the alleged animal abuse, asserting that it warrants severe punishment, and emphasized the department's commitment to prosecuting the case thoroughly to protect innocent animals. Johnson's prior guilty plea reflects a troubling pattern of behavior, as he reportedly bred fighting dogs and sold "stud rights" and offspring to other dogfighters, significantly contributing to the dogfighting industry.

If found guilty, Johnson faces up to five years in prison for each count and could be fined $250,000. FBI Director Kash Patel underscored the seriousness of the case, linking animal cruelty to larger organized crime, and reaffirmed the FBI's dedication to tackling such violent offenses.

Johnson, who played as a running back for NFL teams including the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants from 1994 to 1999, now confronts significant legal challenges that could alter the course of his life following his time in professional sports. His lawyer, Courtney R. Jordan, has declined to comment on the ongoing case.