Ex-NFL athlete, LeShon Eugene Johnson, who comes from Oklahoma, faced a conviction linked to his prominent role in an expansive dog-fighting enterprise. Johnson, aged 54 from Broken Arrow, succumbed to an adverse verdict on six serious felony charges pertaining to the custody of dogs intended for animal-fighting endeavors. He emerged unscathed from 17 similar charges, wherein the jury found him not guilty.
The consequences of his conviction could potentially mean half a decade worth of jail time, paired with a substantial penalty of $250,000 per count. The final judgment of his sentence is set for a future court hearing. Johnson’s clandestine operation involved managing the underworld business of dog fights via his kennels at Broken Arrow and Haskell in Oklahoma.
The allegations against Johnson by the prosecution involved the meticulous breeding of pit-bull-like types at his kennels, known as Mal Kant Kennels. He was renowned within this dark sphere for producing what they term as ‘champions’ or ‘grand champions’, essentially dogs that come out victorious in these brutal fights.
As part of the investigation earlier this year, federal agents seized a shocking total of 190 dogs that were in Johnson’s care. The charges against Johnson detailed allegedly breeding dogs who had an unnerving record of winning up to five fights. These ‘champion’ dogs were then used as a means to produce offspring, who were later sold to other fighters invested in this inhumane sport.
Evidence presented by the Justice Department suggested that the business of trading these dogs wasn’t confined to Oklahoma, or even the Midwest. Johnson allegedly played a pivotal role in bolstering the dogfighting industry across the nation, thus amassing significant financial gains through such an enterprise.
The attorney representing Johnson attempted to shine a different light on his client, arguing that Johnson’s main enterprise was dog breeding, not dog fighting. The defense attorney stressed that Johnson was not directly accused of engaging in dog fights. His defense further emphasized that the majority of the charges that were brought against Johnson did not hold up in court.
Johnson’s legal representative, Coyle, expressed his discontent over what he perceived as a disproportionate and excessive response from federal agents. The home of Johnson was reportedly raided by an overwhelming force of over 40 officers, late into the night. During this operation, Johnson’s dogs and personal property were seized.
History reveals that this is not Johnson’s first brush with the law around dog fighting. He pleaded guilty to similar charges at the state level in Oklahoma back in 2004. The former NFL player was given a reprieve in the form of a deferred sentence that spanned five years.
Johnson carries with him an illustrious sporting legacy, having played two seasons at NIU after transitioning from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. His football career left a mark with an impressive total of 3,314 rushing yards to his credit, ranking him fifth in the school’s record.
During his senior year in 1993, Johnson dominated the fields, leading nationally with a stunning 1,976 rushing yards. His exceptional performance earned him unanimous recognition as an All-American. All these achievements were no doubt a testament to his prowess and dedication to the sport.
After his rising years in college football, Johnson paved his way into the professional league. He performed for the Green Bay Packers, a distinguished name in the field. His contribution undoubtedly etched his name in the annals of the team’s history.
Subsequently, Johnson also played for the Arizona Cardinals. His career at the Cardinals saw him bringing his energy and distinct style to the team, further building his reputation in the sports world.
Johnson’s final stop in his NFL journey was with the New York Giants. The time he spent playing for the Giants from 1994-99 added to his impressive portfolio, illustrating his versatility across different teams.
However, the troubling accusations and subsequent conviction, painting a stark contrast to his athletic achievements, have overshadowed the glory of his past. The scale and nature of his illegal activities stand as a grim reminder of the harsh realities existing parallel to the glittering world of sports.
While Johnson’s football career has been marked with significant achievements, his off-field activities have done much to tarnish his reputation. His involvement in dog-fighting, a cruel and inhumane practice, stands in stark opposition to the team spirit and fair play values deeply embodied in the sport.
The taken legal actions deliver a strong message to society about the consequences of such cruel activities. The tale of Johnson resonates with a tinge of profound sadness as an illustrious sports career is sullied by dark off-field pursuits.
The post Ex-NFL Player Convicted in Dog-Fighting Enterprise appeared first on Real News Now.
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