{"id":47462,"date":"2025-08-05T17:00:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T17:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/47462\/"},"modified":"2025-08-05T17:00:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T17:00:15","slug":"ex-nfl-running-back-found-guilty-in-huge-dog-fighting-case","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/47462\/","title":{"rendered":"Ex-NFL running back found guilty in huge dog-fighting case"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Breadcrumb Trail Links<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"breadcrumbs__item-link\" data-tb-category-link=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/torontosun.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Sports<\/a><a class=\"breadcrumbs__item-link\" data-tb-category-link=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/torontosun.com\/category\/sports\/football\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Football<\/a><a class=\"breadcrumbs__item-link\" data-tb-category-link=\"\" href=\"http:\/\/torontosun.com\/category\/sports\/football\/nfl\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NFL<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"article-subtitle\">LeShon Johnson was convicted of six felony counts related to his role in record-setting dog-fighting ring.<\/p>\n<p>Published Aug 05, 2025 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 8\u00a0minutes ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 2 minute read<\/p>\n<p><a aria-label=\"Join the conversation\" class=\"article-meta-comment-count\" data-story-comment-component=\"\" href=\"#comments-area\">   <\/a><\/p>\n<p>You can save this article by registering for free <a class=\"bookmark-link\" data-evt-skip-click=\"true\" href=\"http:\/\/torontosun.com\/register\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. Or <a class=\"bookmark-link\" data-evt-skip-click=\"true\" href=\"http:\/\/torontosun.com\/sign-in\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Pit bulls that were owned by former NFL football player LeShon Johnson are kept in a section of the Tulsa Animal Shelter that is marked off by tape.\" class=\"featured-image__image type:primaryImage\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/689231c583b2baceebecf5cejpeg-e1754412291990.jpg\"  height=\"672\" width=\"895\"\/>Pit bulls that were owned by former NFL football player LeShon Johnson are kept in a section of the Tulsa Animal Shelter that is marked off by tape. Photo by John Clanton \/APArticle content<\/p>\n<p>LeShon Johnson, a former running back who played five seasons in the NFL, has been convicted of six felony counts in relation to his role in a record-setting dog-fighting bust.<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement 2<\/p>\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Toronto Sun\" class=\"market-logo\" height=\"37\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/19.2.5\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-tsun.svg\" width=\"280\"\/><\/p>\n<p>THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n<p class=\"identity-intro__description\">Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n<p>Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n<p>SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n<p class=\"identity-intro__description\">Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n<p>Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n<p>REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n<p class=\"identity-intro__description\">Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n<p>Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n<p>THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n<p class=\"identity-intro__description\">Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n<p>Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors<\/p>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>A U.S. federal jury in Oklahoma found the former NFLer guilty last week of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act\u2019s prohibitions against possessing, selling, transporting and delivering animals to be used in fighting ventures, the Department of Justice announced on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>Johnson, who played in the NFL from 1994-99, faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to US$250,000 on each count. He will be sentenced at a later date.<\/p>\n<p>In the bust, officials said that they had seized 190 dogs, which the Department of Justice believes is the largest-ever seizure of dogs in a federal case of this kind.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Running back LeShon Johnson of the Arizona Cardinals uses his left arm in attempt to break through the grasp of defensive lineman Brad Culpepper of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game in 1996.\" class=\"embedded-image__image lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0806-leshon-johnson-arizona-cardinals.jpg\"  height=\"750\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\"\/> Running back LeShon Johnson of the Arizona Cardinals uses his left arm in attempt to break through the grasp of defensive lineman Brad Culpepper of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game in 1996. Getty Images<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,\u201d U.S. attorney general Pamela Bondi said in a statement. \u201cThis case underscores the Department of Justice\u2019s commitment to protecting animals from abuse \u2014 190 dogs are now safe thanks to outstanding collaborative work by our attorneys and law enforcement components.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Advertisement 3<\/p>\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>During the multi-day trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Johnson had bred and trafficked dogs for his \u2018Mal Kant Kennels\u2019 operation in order to fight them.<\/p>\n<p>Read More<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/torontosun.com\/sports\/football\/nfl\/former-running-back-alleged-dog-fighting?utm_source=read-more\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Arizona Cardinals running back Leshon Johnson runs with the ball during a game in 1996.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0328-LeShon-Johnson-cardinals.jpg\"  class=\"lazyload\" height=\"96\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"96\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>Former NFL running back allegedly ran massive dog-fighting operation<\/p>\n<p> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/torontosun.com\/sports\/football\/nfl\/saquon-barkley-shocked-mentioned-trump?utm_source=read-more\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley runs the ball for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0124-saquon-barkley-eagles.jpg\"  class=\"lazyload\" height=\"96\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"96\"\/> <\/p>\n<p>Eagles&#8217; Saquon Barkley &#8216;shocked&#8217; to be mentioned by Trump, declined invite to sports council<\/p>\n<p> <\/a><\/p>\n<p>Federal prosecutors said that the 54-year-old was selectively breeding \u201cchampion\u201d and \u201cgrand champion\u201d fighting dogs \u2014 canines that have won multiple fights \u2014 to create offspring that could fight.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe FBI will not stand for those who perpetuate the despicable crime of dogfighting,\u201d FBI director Kash Patel said in a statement. \u201cThanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, those who continue to engage in organized animal fighting and cruelty will face justice.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Johnson previously had pleaded guilty to state charges related to animal fighting in Oklahoma in 2004.<\/p>\n<p>During his NFL career, Johnson played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. He ran for 955 yards and scored seven touchdowns during his career.<\/p>\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>Share this article in your social network<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Breadcrumb Trail Links SportsFootballNFL LeShon Johnson was convicted of six felony counts related to his role in record-setting&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":47463,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[436],"tags":[49,48,514,82],"class_list":["post-47462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-nfl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47462"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47462\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47462"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}