Latest news with #grandchampion
CNN
05-08-2025
- Sport
- CNN
An ex-NFL player has been convicted in a dogfighting case. A record number of dogs were taken from him
Animal stories FootballFacebookTweetLink Follow A former NFL player has been convicted for running an operation that bred and trafficked 'grand champion' dogs and their offspring for dogfighting, the Department of Justice said. LeShon Johnson, 54, a former running back for the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants, was convicted by a federal jury in Oklahoma on six felony counts of violating the federal Animal Welfare Act's prohibitions against 'possessing, selling, transporting, and delivering animals to be used in fighting ventures,' the department said. Following the verdict, the ex-NFLer surrendered 190 dogs from his 'Mal Kant Kennels,' the largest number ever seized from a single person in a federal dogfighting case, officials said. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count. 'My client respects the verdict,' defense attorney Courtney Jordan told CNN, noting Johnson was convicted of only six of 23 counts. 'The jury saw there is more to this story than what the government has made it out to be. He is a family man, a good person who loves his dogs. He was never involved in dogfighting himself, per se.' 'The American goverment is really after the American pit bull terrier, and that's what LeShon Johnson was breading,' Jordan added. Johnson's conviction recalls the 2007 federal case against then-NFL quarterback Michael Vick, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy involving illegal dogfighting. Admitting he participated in killing dogs and ran a business that involved illegal gambling, Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison. After his 2009 release, he advocated against dogfighting, returned to the NFL and now coaches a college team. While dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, more than 40,000 people participate in enterprises that breed, condition and train dogs to be 'placed in a pit to fight each other for spectator entertainment and profit,' the Humane Society of the United States and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals say. Johnson had a 2004 state conviction for dogfighting, the Justice Department said. In the federal case against him, Johnson bred and trafficked 'fighting dogs' and their puppies for dogfighting, 'profiting from the cruel and illegal industry,' evidence presented to the jury showed. 'This criminal profited off of the misery of innocent animals and he will face severe consequences for his vile crimes,' Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. 'This case underscores the Department of Justice's commitment to protecting animals from abuse – 190 dogs are now safe thanks to outstanding collaborative work by our attorneys and law enforcement components.' The federal government is pursuing the forfeiture of the dogs, after which the US Marshals Service would care for them, the department said.
Free Malaysia Today
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Onosato promoted to sumo grand champion in record time
Onosato is the first Japan-born sumo wrestler to become yokozuna since 2017. (Kyodo News/AP pic) TOKYO : Sumo crowned a new grand champion in record time today as Onosato became the fastest to attain the exalted rank of yokozuna in the Japanese sport's modern era. The 24-year-old's elevation by the Japan Sumo Association came after he appeared in just 13 professional tournaments, eight fewer than the current record holder. The wrestler, who weighs 191kg and is 1.92m tall, became the 75th grand champion in the centuries-old history of sumo. He was the second to reach the top rank in the space of four months, following Hoshoryu's promotion in January. The two will go head-to-head for the first time as yokozuna in July in Nagoya. Onosato also became the first Japan-born wrestler to reach the rank since 2017. Six of the last seven grand champions were born in Mongolia. Onosato was recommended for promotion on Monday after he won the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament a day earlier for his second straight title and the fourth of his career. 'I am truly happy. Now, things will become more important than ever. I want to stay focused and continue to work hard,' he told a press conference after being formally promoted. 'This is a very much unknown territory for me. I want to maintain my style, be Onosato, and I will work hard to become a unique and unparalleled yokozuna.' There are no set criteria for promotion from the second-highest rank of ozeki, and cases are considered by the yokozuna deliberation council. Hoshoryu's promotion in January meant that sumo avoided having no grand champion for the first time in more than 30 years. Onosato's promotion was the fastest since the current six-tournament calendar was introduced in 1958. Witness football history in Malaysia as Manchester United take on the Asean All-Stars – it's the clash you can't afford to miss. Book your seat now at before they're gone!
Washington Post
28-05-2025
- General
- Washington Post
Big surprise in sumo. The sport has a new champion — and he's Japanese
TOKYO — Japan has a new sumo grand champion — or yokozuna — and the big news is he's Japanese. Onosato, the new grand champion, weighs 191 kilograms (421 pounds) and he is the first Japanese competitor to reach the top rank since 2017. By comparison, the average weight of an NFL lineman is about 140 kilos, or just over 300 pounds.
