President Donald Trump pardoned five former NFL players Thursday, another example of what his “pardon czar” Alice Marie Johnson says is his “continued commitment to second chances.” Over his presidencies Trump has pardoned the likes of political allies, Jan. 6 insurrectionists, reality TV stars and crypto moguls, often helping those who display loyalty.
The NFL players include Joe Klecko, Billy Cannon, Jamal Lewis, Nate Newton and Travis Henry. All five are more than 10 years removed from their prison sentences.
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Klecko, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and member of the New York Jets’ “Sack Exchange” defensive line, faced a three-month prison sentence in 1993 for lying to a Federal grand injury that was investigating false insurance claims.
A former Heisman Trophy winner at LSU, Cannon was sentenced to five years in prison in 1983 for his role in a multimillion dollar counterfeiting scheme.
Jamal Lewis, a Super Bowl-winning running back with the Baltimore Ravens, faced charges during his playing career for trying to orchestrate a cocaine deal. Newton, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys, and Henry, a former Pro Bowler with the Buffalo Bills, also dealt with drug charges.
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This isn’t the first time Trump pardoned a professional athlete. Back in 2018, Trump issued a posthumous pardon to legendary boxer Jack Johnson, who in 1913 was convicted by an all-white jury for violating a Jim Crow-era law for traveling with his white girlfriend.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Which 5 former NFL players did Donald Trump pardon?