Ex-Lions Defensive Lineman Isaiah Buggs Accused Of Animal Cruelty

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A former Detroit Lions defensive lineman is in trouble after officials found two malnourished and abandoned dogs at his home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, according to civil documents filed Wednesday in Tuscaloosa County District Court and obtained by Tuscaloosa Patch.

Isaiah Buggs, 27, is expected to face two misdemeanor warrants for second-degree cruelty to dogs or cats, according to the petition.

Authorities reportedly tried to get in touch with Buggs on March 28, but were unsuccessful, according to the petition.

Police and Animal Control officers found a gray and white pitbull on a screened-in back porch surrounded in feces, with no access to food or water at home in Tuscaloosa, according to the petition.

In addition, officials also found a black Rottweiler mix locked in a metal cage in direct sunlight with no access to food or water, according to the petition.

Officials seized both dogs Tuesday and were severely "malnourished, emaciated and neglected," according to the petition.

Officials at the Tuscaloosa County Metro Animal Shelter euthanized the pitbull after it became increasingly aggressive and failing heartworm treatment at the shelter. The rottweiler, meanwhile, is still in the care of the Tuscaloosa County Metro Animal Shelter and pending a ruling in court over whether Buggs should be allowed to own it or any other animals.

A neighbor also told police that the dogs had been on the back porch for at least 10 days, according to the petition.

Officials believe the home was abandoned at the time of the initial call, according to the petition.

Buggs was cut by the Lions last season. He then signed to the Chiefs' practice squad in 2023 ahead of the Super Bowl run and signed a reserve/future contract with the team in February. He was a former sixth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, before he played for Las Vegas Raiders and the Lions.

Patch editor Ryan Phillips contributed to this report