Chiefs DL Isaiah Buggs turns self in on misdemeanor cruelty to animal charges 

Isaiah Buggs, a defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, surrendered himself to the Tuscaloosa County Jail on Thursday. He is facing misdemeanor charges for animal cruelty in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Buggs was subsequently released on a $600 bond for two second-degree counts of cruelty to dogs.

According to court documents, on March 28, the Tuscaloosa Police Department discovered two “seriously malnourished” and “emaciated” dogs on the back porch of a house rented by Buggs. Court filings also noted a neighbor’s claim that a pit bull and a Rottweiler mix had been abandoned there for a minimum of 10 days, deprived of food and water.

Eventually, the pit bull was euthanized. According to witnesses, Buggs had relocated from the house around March 19.

A spokesman for the Chiefs stated that the team was cognizant of the situation, but opted not to comment.

This week, Trey Robinson, the agent of Buggs, released a statement stating that the player “strongly denies” the allegations and asserts that the dogs were not his.

“Mr. Buggs in no way approves of any animal being mistreated,” said Robinson, who then refused to respond to additional questions.

Robinson stated that Buggs was unaware they were still on the property. He also indicated that Buggs is the focus of a “subversive campaign” aimed at closing a hookah lounge he owns.

Buggs, 27, is an ex-Alabama player who had stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers for three seasons and the Detroit Lions for two. He became a part of the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs’ practice squad in January and was given a futures contract in February.

Copyright The Associated Press 2024