LeShon Johnson, a former NFL player, is facing charges for allegedly running a significant dogfighting operation, as authorities seized 190 “pit bull-type dogs” from him in October 2024. This is believed to be the largest number of dogs ever taken from an individual in a federal dogfighting investigation, according to the Department of Justice.
Court documents reveal that Johnson was operating “Mal Kant Kennels” in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. Along with possessing the 190 dogs, Johnson is accused of selling, transporting, and providing dogs for use in illegal animal fighting activities. It is alleged that Johnson bred dogs that were successful in fights, selling their breeding rights and offspring to dogfighters nationwide.
U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Oklahoma condemned dogfighting as a brutal and inhumane practice, stating that it is not a legitimate business or sport.
LeShon Johnson, who previously played as a running back for the Arizona Cardinals, gained national attention during his college career at Northern Illinois. He was a standout player, leading the nation in rushing yards in 1993 and receiving All-American honors.
Despite his achievements on the field, Johnson’s involvement in dogfighting tarnished his reputation. In 2004, he pleaded guilty to similar charges in Oklahoma and received a deferred sentence. The Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division emphasized the illegality of dogfighting and the importance of prosecuting repeat offenders to prevent further exploitation of animals for these cruel activities.
