LeShon Johnson, a former football player with the Green Bay Packers, was once known for his athletic prowess on the field. On September 25, 1994, viewers watched as he skillfully controlled the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the renowned Lambeau Field. Johnson’s breadth of experience spans not only his season as the leading rusher in college football, but also his five-year tenure in the National Football League (NFL). However, his reputation has been overshadowed by a notoriety derived from a sinister hobby.
His career in running a vast dogfighting operation has been shockingly extensive and gruesome, far exceeding the length of his career in football. The world was struck with disbelief as the Department of Justice released a statement on Monday. According to the report, a federal jury in Oklahoma had found Johnson guilty of a series of violations under the federal Animal Welfare Act. His crimes include the possession, sale, transportation, and distribution of animals for the purpose of engaging them in fighting ventures.
Operating from the secluded plains of eastern Oklahoma, a short distance from where he grew up, Johnson’s illicit activities face severe consequences. The law stipulates a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, apportioned as five years for each of the six felony counts he is guilty of. Furthermore, he stands to pay a hefty sum of up to $250,000 for each count, amounting to a total fine that could potentially reach into the millions.
The law enforcement authorities undertook an operation that led to the rescue of 190 pit bulls and other dogs from Johnson’s property. This is a record number of animals recouped from a single individual in a case centered around federal dogfighting. Many of the dogs bore the brutal marks of their enforced fights, visibly scarred and injured. In addition to this, authorities found equipment—treadmills, bite sticks, and steroids—and records that painted a harrowing picture of fight arrangements and betting systems.
The conviction closed off a lengthy two-year investigative operation by law enforcement agencies. This investigation entailed multiple raids on properties owned by Johnson, located in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. It surfaced that Johnson, under the pseudonym Mal Kant Kennels, bred, trained, and fought dogs across different states—a shocking revelation about the former footballer who once secured sixth place in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1993.
Before this, Johnson was convicted by an Oklahoma state court for dogfighting back in 2005. This conviction predated the infamous dogfighting conviction of former NFL star quarterback Michael Vick by a span of three years. Johnson seemed to have a past steeped in this horrific crime, stretching back at least two decades to when he operated a breeding center named Krazyside Kennels.
Nino, a pit bull from Krazyside Kennels, became infamous over the numerous fights it was involved in across several states. His last fight, which lasted almost two hours despite a broken ankle in the initial 30 seconds, was documented in an online narrative that highlighted the brutal conditions these dogs were subjected to.
In May 2004, when Johnson was apprehended in Tulsa, his property revealed a calendar. This calendar not only organized breeding operations but also fight schedules. Some of the fights listed dated back so far that investigators hypothesized that Johnson’s participation in dogfighting overlapped with his NFL career, which officially ended in 1999.
Despite his 2005 conviction, Johnson was lucky enough to avoid jail time, thanks to a deferred sentence and probation. However, after his recent conviction, it is unlikely that he will manage to evade incarceration this time around.
U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson of the Eastern District of Oklahoma spoke on Monday, condemning the harsh reality of dogfighting. He was firm in his statement that such cruel activities have no place in a civilized society, expressing his admiration for the unwavering efforts of law enforcement partners in bringing individuals like Johnson to justice.
Similar sentiments were echoed by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel. They criticized the inhumane and brutal acts of dogfighting and praised the conviction that held Johnson responsible for his crimes. Both emphasized their dedication to combating animal cruelty, with Bondi promising grave repercussions for the criminals who profit from such vices. Patel stated that the FBI would not tolerate such heinous crimes and assured that due diligence and efforts from law enforcement partners ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
Johnson’s rise from an NFL draft pick in 1994 to leading the nation with 1,976 yards rushing at Northern Illinois in 1993 was indeed noteworthy. He had his best gameplay on September 4, 1996, scoring two touchdowns and rushing for 214 yards for the Arizona Cardinals in a victorious match against the New Orleans Saints.
Known as ‘the Cowboy’, owing to his inclination towards the junior rodeo circuit during his formative years in Oklahoma, Johnson’s professional football career was abruptly halted in 1998 due to a battle with lymphoma cancer.
Showing the fortitude that was perhaps a remnant of his rodeo days, Johnson made a successful comeback to professional football in 1999. He played with the New York Giants and later also featured in the XFL for the Chicago Enforcers.
It is unfortunate and deeply tragic to see such a promising career overshadowed by a history of unimaginable cruelty and violence against animals. As Johnson confronts the consequences of his actions, one can only hope that his story serves as a deterrent to others immersed or considering such brutal acts.
In the end, the story of LeShon Johnson is a stark reminder of the importance of ethics and morals in society. Regardless of one’s past achievements or standing, engaging in cruel and inhumane acts such as dogfighting ultimately leads to severe consequences, both legally and socially, and leaves an indelible stain on one’s legacy.
The post Ex-NFL Player LeShon Johnson Found Guilty Of Major Dogfighting Operations appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
