Isaiah Buggs Booked in Tuscaloosa County Jail for Animal Cruelty

Former Alabama tackle and current Kansas City Chief Isaiah Buggs turned himself in to law enforcement officers at the Tuscaloosa County Jail Thursday to face misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty, police report.

As the Thread reported yesterday, warrants were issued for Buggs' arrest after he allegedly abandoned two dogs at a property he once rented in Tuscaloosa.

A spokesperson for the Tuscaloosa Police Department said Buggs turned himself in Thursday morning and was officially charged with two counts of second-degree animal cruelty. His bond was $300 for each charge for a total of $600.

Taylor said TPD would not comment further on the case at this time.

Buggs was not listed as an inmate at the jail Thursday afternoon, which could indicate he has already been released on bond.

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Buggs denied the allegations Thursday.

"Isaiah vehemently denies the truthfulness of the allegations and charges asserted against him today. Under no circumstance does Mr. Buggs condone the mistreatment of any animal. The dogs at issue did not belong to him and he was unaware they remained at the property in question," the statement says.

"Furthermore, we believe the City of Tuscaloosa's decision to file the charges today is part of a concerted effort by the City of Tuscaloosa and its Police Department to besmirch Mr. Buggs' name and reputation as part of an ongoing subservice campaign to force the close of his local business Kings Hookah Lounge."

Buggs started his football career at Mississippi Coast Community College. He was the No. 1 player in junior college in the 2017 recruiting class and committed to Alabama. While at Alabama, Buggs started 28 games over two seasons. During 2017, he totaled 51 tackles, four tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks en route to helping Alabama win the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship over the Georgia Bulldogs. During his senior year, Buggs totaled 51 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, three passes batted down, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery en route to a national championship appearance against the Clemson Tigers. He was named All-SEC by the Associated Press and the SEC coaches.

Buggs was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL draft. Buggs spent three seasons in Pittsburgh, totaling 31 tackles and two tackles for loss.

In 2022, Buggs signed with the Detroit Lions, starting 13 games for Detroit. He totaled 46 tackles and 10 quarterback hits.

Buggs spent the start of 2023 with Detroit before being cut by the Lions, then he was picked up and spent the rest of the season on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad.

For more updates, if any are made available, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.