Back to the Arizona State Sun Devils Newsfeed

Police: Former ASU player sacrificed family poodle

A Goodyear man and former Arizona State University football player was arrested Saturday on suspicion of animal cruelty after being accused of breaking the family dog's neck and placing him in a smoker, according to court documents.

Patrick Zane Thompson, 42, was booked on suspicion of two felony and four misdemeanor counts related to the death of the family's white poodle, documents said.

Thompson played right guard for ASU football in 1996, when the team posted an 11-1 record and lost the Rose Bowl to Ohio State University. He is also the owner of the Raging Cajun Smoking Barbecue catering company.