NFL defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs was convicted of animal cruelty and sentenced to 365 days of hard labor on Thursday.
According to WRBC in Kansas City:Buggs was given 60 days of his sentence reduced, with the remaining 300 days suspended for two years depending on his behavior.
“Mr. Buggs’ situation is confusing and requires clarification, but no conclusions have been reached yet,” Buggs’ attorney, Greg Gambrill, told WRBC.
Buggs, who was a member of the Chiefs’ practice squad last season, is accused of allowing two dogs to “become malnourished, emaciated and neglected” in documents filed in Tuscaloosa District Court.
He was released in June after signing a futures contract in February.
Buggs, a sixth-round pick by the Steelers in the 2019 draft, played three years with Pittsburgh and two with the Lions before being released last year and joining the Chiefs’ practice squad.
He is currently a free agent.
According to the Tuscaloosa Patch, officers and animal control found the white pit bull on the porch of the property Buggs was renting, without food or water and surrounded by excrement.
A Rottweiler crossbreed was also reportedly found caged and without food or water.
When a warrant was issued for Buggs’ arrest in May, his attorney, Trey Robinson, argued that the charges were part of an attempt by the city of Tuscaloosa to force Buggs to shut down his hookah lounge business.
In addition to the animal cruelty charges, Buggs was arrested and charged with domestic violence/theft in June.
He allegedly dragged the child’s mother, Yamiya Johnson, down the stairs of their apartment.
The Chiefs have been dealing with a series of legal issues this offseason.
Ruthie Rice was charged with eight counts of driving 119 mph in a 70 mph speed zone in March, causing multiple injuries.
Offensive tackles Wanya Morris and Chukwuebuka Godliff were also arrested in May on misdemeanor marijuana possession charges.
