BROKEN ARROW – Former Arizona Cardinals running back LeShon Johnson has been indicted for allegedly operating a large-scale dogfighting operation, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Authorities seized 190 dogs in October of 2024 linked to the case, the highest number ever confiscated from a single individual in a federal dogfighting investigation. Johnson, 54, is charged with possessing pit bull-type dogs for use in an animal fighting venture and selling, transporting and delivering a dog for the same purpose.
According to court documents, Johnson allegedly ran “Mal Kant Kennels” in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma, where he is accused of breeding and training dogs for illegal fights. Federal prosecutors say Johnson trafficked the animals across state lines and profiting financially.
“Animal abuse is cruel, depraved, and deserves severe punishment,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. “The Department of Justice will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law and will remain committed to protecting innocent animals from those who would do them harm.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to engage in animal fighting that affects interstate commerce or to possess, train, transport, deliver, sell, purchase, or receive dogs for fighting purposes. Johnson is facing 21 counts and if convicted, he could receive up to five years in prison per count and a $250,000 fine.
This is not Johnson’s first legal issue related to dogfighting. He previously pleaded guilty to state animal fighting charges in Oklahoma in 2004 for running “Krazyside Kennels,” and received a five-year deferred sentence.
Johnson, originally from Haskell, Oklahoma, was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1994 before joining the Arizona Cardinals from 1995-1997. Though he only played in three games his first season and has no stats, he finished his tenure with the Cardinals with 164 carries for 715 yards. In 1998, he was diagnosed with lymphoma but made a comeback, playing one season with the New York Giants in 1999.
The FBI’s Shreveport Resident Agency office is investigating the ongoing case.
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Reporter Reyna Stanley covers the Phoenix Mercury and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on X @rey_stanley776.
