Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson is facing 21 federal charges related to dog fighting after authorities seized 190 dogs from his properties in Oklahoma. Prosecutors describe the case as one of the largest single-person dog fighting busts in U.S. history. Johnson, who had previously been convicted on similar charges in the early 2000s, has pleaded not guilty and is set to stand trial in May. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison for each count, along with hefty fines.
Leshon Johnson’s Football Career, Legal Troubles
Leshon Johnson was a standout college football player at Northern Illinois, where he led the NCAA in rushing yards in 1993 with 1,976 yards. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft and played for the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. Johnson had moments of brilliance but was hampered by injuries and competition.
By the early 2000s, his football career had ended, and legal troubles soon followed. In 2004, Johnson pleaded guilty to dog fighting charges in Oklahoma after being linked to an operation known as Krazyside Kennels. His involvement in the illegal industry didn’t stop there, as he allegedly spent the next two decades breeding and selling fighting dogs. Authorities believe his influence helped expand the underground dog fighting network, making him a key figure in its operations.
A Record-Breaking Dog Fighting Bust
The recent bust revealed the scale of Leshon Johnson’s activities, with 190 pit bull-type dogs seized from his Mal Kant Kennels operation in Broken Arrow and Haskell, Oklahoma. Federal investigators uncovered extensive evidence, including breeding records, photos of injured and deceased dogs, and a phone recording where Johnson allegedly praised a bloodline for being “nice and nasty.” Dogs like “Hogg,” a reported champion fighter with an unusually high number of wins, were bred and sold to expand the kennel’s influence.
Officials say Leshon Johnson’s operation was one of the most structured and profitable in the underground dog fighting world. The FBI and Justice Department have condemned the cruelty involved, with U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Wilson calling dog fighting a “blood-thirsty venture.” Animal rights organizations have also weighed in, with Animal Wellness Action President Wayne Pacelle comparing the case to the infamous Michael Vick scandal.
Final Thoughts
Leshon Johnson’s arrest is a stark reminder that large-scale dog fighting rings still exist, despite past crackdowns. Law enforcement officials have linked these operations to broader criminal activities, including gambling and organized crime. With Johnson’s trial set for May, the case could set a precedent for how future dog fighting prosecutions are handled. Regardless of the verdict, his name will forever be tied to one of the most significant animal cruelty cases in U.S. history.
