Trump pardons former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order granting a full pardon to former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. related to a decades-old corruption charge, the White House said Tuesday.

DeBartolo Jr., who presided over one of the great football dynasties, pleaded guilty to failing to report a felony when he paid former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards $400,000 to help secure a casino license. DeBartolo Jr. had to pay a $1 million fine and was given two years probation in return for his testimony against Edwards, a Democrat.

DeBartolo Jr.was banned from the NFL for a year, and turned over control of the team to his sister in 2000. While he was the team’s owner, the 49ers won five Super Bowls in 14 years. His family made their fortune as shopping mall developers.

The White House held a brief press event to make the announcement with several retired NFL players were on hand, including Jerry Rice, Charles Haley, Ronnie Lott and Jim Brown, who said they had met with Trump to discuss DeBartolo.

“Today is a great day for him,” said Rice, who won three Super Bowls with the 49ers under DeBartolo Jr.’s ownership. “I’m glad to be here and be a part of that. And you know, it’s just something I’ll never forget. You know, this man, he has done so much in the community, he has done so much in NFL football.”

“I take my hat off to Donald Trump for what he did,” Rice said.

Trump has issued 19 pardons since taking office.

source: nbcnews.com