Steelers News
Ex-Steelers Defensive Lineman Isaiah Buggs Sentenced to Hard Labor on Animal Cruelty Convictions
Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs was convicted of two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and sentenced to a year of hard labor, ordering him to serve 60 days, according to the Associated Press. The remaining 300 days would be suspended for two years “pending the behavior of the defendant.”
Tuscaloosa County District Judge Joanne Jannik also ruled that Buggs is not allowed to have or be around firearms or own dogs or cats. Buggs is appealing his conviction on misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, AL.com reported Friday.
Buggs also faces domestic violence and burglary charges. He has a preliminary hearing set for Aug. 20.
In June, the Kansas City Chiefs released Buggs after he was arrested and charged with domestic violence burglary. Buggs’ bond was revoked after his most recent arrest and had been in the Tuscaloosa County Jail until last week. Buggs was released on bond.
Domestic violence burglary is described as when someone commits the crime of burglary and the victim is a current or former spouse, parent, child or other household relationship.
Buggs has been charged with domestic violence burglary in the second degree, a Class B felony. In addition to potential fines and jail time, he could also face an NFL suspension after being charged with domestic violence.
In May, police were informed that two dogs were left on the back porch of a Tuscaloosa home that belonged to Buggs. According to the documents, Tuscaloosa Animal Control found two dogs without water or food and with feces all around them.
Buggs rented the house in Alabama, and information states that the dogs were malnourished and neglected. In addition to the two dogs found inside, a Rottweiler was locked up in a metal cage directly in the sun for over a week.
Buggs was the Steelers’ sixth-round draft pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He stayed with the team until 2021, when they released him, and he joined the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad. He spent two seasons with the Detroit Lions and became a Super Bowl Champion with the Kansas City Chiefs in February.