President Donald Trump just held a surprise media event at the White House to announce he’s pardoning former SF 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr..
Now, some back story …
Back in the late ’90s, DeBartolo — who owned the 9ers at the time — pled guilty to his role in a riverboat gambling scandal.
Long story short … DeBartolo claimed he was being extorted by ex-Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards — who demanded $400,000 in cash to get the last riverboat casino license offered up by the state.
In 1998, DeBartolo was found guilty of failing to report the transaction — a felony — and was sentenced to 2 years probation and ordered to pay $1 million in fines and other costs.
In 1999, DeBartolo gave up his stake of the 49ers.
Unclear why Trump decided to pardon 73-year-old DeBartolo on Tuesday — the White House said a press release will be issued soon.
Jerry Rice and Jim Brown were at the White House for the announcement and praised Trump for the move.
Story developing …
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