Trump Grants Pardons to Klecko, Jamal Lewis, and Former NFL Stars
On Thursday, President Trump granted pardons to five former professional football players, highlighting his commitment to second chances for high-profile individuals. The players include notable figures such as Joe Klecko, Jamal Lewis, Nate Newton, Billy Cannon, and Travis Henry. They each faced charges related to serious crimes, including perjury and drug trafficking, but had already served their time.
Pardons Granted to Former NFL Stars
The pardons were announced by Alice Marie Johnson, known as Trump’s “pardon czar,” via a social media post. Johnson emphasized the importance of resilience and second chances, echoing the values inherent in the sport of football.
Overview of the Pardoned Players
- Joe Klecko: At 72, the former defensive lineman for the New York Jets was sentenced to three months in prison for providing false testimony in a grand jury investigation regarding car insurance fraud in 1993. Klecko was a member of the famed “New York Sack Exchange” and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
- Jamal Lewis: At 46, Lewis is a Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens. In 2004, he was involved in a cocaine trafficking attempt before his NFL debut. After reaching a plea agreement, he served four months in prison. He had a stellar career, rushing for 2,066 yards in the 2003 season.
- Nate Newton: The 64-year-old former Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman won three Super Bowls and pleaded guilty to drug trafficking in 2002. His sentence was 30 months in prison after police discovered he was involved in significant marijuana deals.
- Billy Cannon: A legendary halfback and Heisman Trophy winner from 1959, Cannon was sentenced to five years in prison for running a counterfeiting operation in 1983. He served over two years before his release and passed away in 2018 at the age of 80.
- Travis Henry: This 47-year-old running back gained recognition for his role with the Buffalo Bills. In 2009, he received a three-year prison sentence for operating a cocaine trafficking ring. He has nine children with different partners, which he publicly discussed during an interview prior to his sentencing.
Implications of the Pardons
The pardons of these former NFL stars reflect an ongoing trend in presidential clemency, which has included a range of individuals from various sectors. This latest decision illustrates Trump’s approach to addressing past actions while advocating for redemption and reintegration into society.
