Ex-NFL RB LeShon Johnson Convicted in Largest Federal Dogfighting Case

LeShon Johnson, a former NFL running back, was convicted on six felony counts related to a large-scale dogfighting operation in Oklahoma, involving the possession, sale, and transportation of fighting dogs in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Authorities seized 190 pit bulls from Johnson's property, marking the largest number ever confiscated from a single individual in a federal dogfighting case. Johnson, who played for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants during his NFL career, faces up to five years in prison and fines amounting to $250,000 per count, potentially totaling $1.5 million. The operation, known as "Mal Kant Kennels," bred and trafficked dogs for fighting ventures dating back to at least 2004, when Johnson had a prior dogfighting conviction. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel condemned Johnson's actions, emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement to protect animals from abuse. Sentencing will occur at a later date as the justice system proceeds with the case.