This month President Trump granted clemency to five former NFL players. As reported by The Associated Press, Trump “pardoned five former NFL players for various crimes ranging from perjury to drug trafficking.” The decision quickly got attention because the names involved are well-known in football.
The pardons have sparked mixed reactions. Some people believe in second chances and argue that these players have already served their time. Others question whether famous athletes should receive special treatment.
One of the biggest names on the list was Joe Klecko, a Hall of Fame defensive lineman best known for his time with the New York Jets. Klecko was convicted of perjury years ago, and his pardon clears that conviction. Another player, Nate Newton, was a key part of the Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl teams in the 1990s. According to reporting by NBC News, Newton had previously served time on federal drug charges. His pardon restores certain rights he lost after his conviction.
Former running back Jamal Lewis was also included. Lewis was once one of the most dominant players in the league and rushed for over 2,000 yards in a single season, something only a few players in NFL history have done. However, he later served prison time related to a drug case. As reported by the AP, his pardon officially forgives that federal conviction.
Another running back, Travis Henry, who played for multiple NFL teams, was also granted clemency for past drug trafficking charges. Both Lewis and Henry had careers that showed major talent on the field but were later overshadowed by legal trouble.
The final name on the list was Billy Cannon, a legendary college football star who won the Heisman Trophy while playing at LSU. Cannon was convicted of counterfeiting in the 1980s and later served time in prison. According to the AP, his pardon was granted after his death, making it a posthumous decision.
Either way, this clemency decision has definitely reopened the conversation about how presidential pardons are used, especially when they involve high-profile public figures.