GRIDIRON TO THE CLINK

Ex-NFL Star Nabbed in Biggest Dog Fighting Bust in U.S. History, Feds Say

The former running back could spend as many as five years behind bars if convicted.

Former NFL running back LeShon Eugene Johnson was arrested Wednesday and accused of running a dog fighting operation federal authorities claimed is the largest ever uncovered stateside. The 54-year-old Oklahoma native, who starred in college for the Northern Illinois Huskies before five seasons in the NFL, was indicted on 21 charges for allegedly running a large-scale breeding and trafficking operation known as “Mal Kant Kennels.” The feds’ bust led to the recovery of 190 pit bulls, they said, saving the pups from being sold and sent to fight across the country. Johnson was previously arrested on similar charges in 2004. He pleaded guilty back then and received a five-year deferred sentence. He is staring down a prison sentence as long as five years this time around, the feds say, in addition to a fine of up to $250,000 on each count he is convicted of. Johnson was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2004 draft. He played two seasons there and another two with the Arizona Cardinals before lymphoma cancer sidelined him a season. He went on to play one more season with the New York Giants, but his career had flamed out.