USC’s McNair mistreated dogs in ‘90s
USC running backs coach Todd McNair, a former NFL player who is in his fourth season with the Trojans, was twice convicted on charges related to mistreatment of dogs in the 1990s, according to reports.
“I really don’t want to comment on something 14 years ago, and especially something I was cleared for,” McNair said Tuesday night. McNair was never charged with dogfighting.
Coach Pete Carroll said he became aware of the incidents about a week ago and addressed them with McNair. The incidents came to light again in a posting on the website BruinsNation.com.
“We looked into it to make sure we knew what happened,” Carroll said. “That was a long time ago.”
According to the Philadelphia Daily News, McNair was charged with cruelty to animals, failure to obtain licenses and keeping animals for the purpose of fighting on March, 30, 1996 on his property in East Greenwich, N.J. Animal control officers found up to 22 pit bulls, including 17 adults and five puppies.
According to the Rocky Mountain News, the dogs were attached to heavy automobile towing chains. Some of the dogs were found in standing water, and many were scarred. Several had fresh wounds and one had a broken leg.
The Rocky Mountain News reported that authorities believe McNair had been training the dogs for fights but could not prove it. In October 1996, McNair was convicted of cruelty to animals and neglect. He was ordered to pay nearly $25,000 in fines and perform eight hours of community service, according to the report in the Rocky Mountain News.
According to the Philadelphia Daily News, in March 1994, police in nearby Paulsboro shot and killed a pit bull for biting and locking onto a neighborhood dog. They suspected the dog belonged to McNair, and discovered six more chained in his yard. He agreed to move them.
According to a Kansas City Star story dated Dec. 7, 1996, McNair also was charged with animal neglect in July 1993. He was later found guilty, fined $500 and put on probation. As part of the probation agreement, he was to donate $250 to an animal shelter. The judge issued a warrant for contempt of court after McNair paid the fine but did not make the donation. He was fined $100 on the contempt charge and sentenced to community service, which he fulfilled.
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Staff writer Jay Christensen and research Vicki Gallay contributed to this report.
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