Donald Trump (Image: Getty)
The White House announced that President Donald Trump has pardoned former San Francisco 49ers owner, Edward DeBartolo Jr. DeBartolo, 73, pleaded guilty in 1998 to failing to report a felony after paying $400,000 to former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards for a riverboat gambling license.
He helped build the 49ers’ dynasty in the 1980s and ’90s, but is notorious for his role in one of the biggest owners’ scandals in sport’s history.
SLIDESHOW: 50 GREAT SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019
DeBartolo led the 49ers to five Super Bowl championships before stepping down in 1997 after reports emerged of his indictment for gambling fraud. He served no prison time, but was fined $1 million and was suspended for a year by the NFL.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
“He’s the main reason why we won so many Super Bowls,” NFL great Jerry Rice said. “So today is a great day for him. I’m glad to be here and be a part of that. It’s just something I will never forget. This man, he has done so much in the community, has done so much in NFL football.”
“I take my hat off to Donald Trump for what he did,” Rice added.
The DeBartolo family made their fortune in commercial real estate and also owned the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL in addition to the 49ers.
DeBartolo was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016 and this pardon seems to truly cement his legacy in NFL history.
Brazilian superstar Neymar da Silva is eyeing a move to the MLS, following the footsteps…
The NCAA is considering adding a five-year eligibility rule. The AP spoke with an anonymous…
The Miami Heat are officially ending Terry Rozier's stint with the team, as they announced…
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is one of the most accomplished players in NBA…
Former Nebraska defensive back Rickey Thenarse was shot in Los Angeles after an alleged dispute…
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-107 despite Jalen Green missing the second half.…