LeShon Eugene Johnson, a former NFL player, finds himself in serious legal trouble once again. The ex-running back is facing dog fighting-related charges for the second time in his life, this time linked to a large-scale operation in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Johnson appeared in federal court last week, charged with possession of 190 pit bull dogs that were allegedly involved in an animal fighting venture. This operation, dubbed “Mal Kant Kennels,” has escalated to a notable level, with authorities indicting Johnson for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act’s dog fighting prohibitions.
In a significant development, federal officials seized these 190 dogs from Johnson in October 2024, marking a record for the most dogs ever confiscated from an individual in a federal dog fighting case. This situation is particularly concerning given Johnson’s history; he previously ran Krazyside Kennels, which resulted in his guilty plea on state animal fighting charges back in 2004.
If convicted on the current charges, Johnson could face up to five years in prison and a hefty fine of $250,000 for each count.
Reflecting on Johnson’s football career, he certainly had a promising start. After a standout performance at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, where he led the country with 1,976 rushing yards in the 1993 season, he transferred to Northern Illinois University. His impressive college achievements landed him the sixth spot in the Heisman Trophy voting that same year.
The Green Bay Packers selected Johnson in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft, where he served as both a running back and kick returner over his six-year NFL career, which also included stints with the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants. By the time he hung up his cleats, Johnson had amassed 955 rushing yards, 434 receiving yards, and 483 return yards, scoring a total of seven touchdowns.
It’s a sad turn of events for Johnson, who now faces the consequences of his actions outside the realm of professional sports. His journey from the football field to facing serious legal ramifications serves as a reminder of the complexities athletes can encounter beyond their celebrated careers.
