President Donald Trump has pardoned or commuted the sentences of several convicted felons, including former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo, Jr.
DeBartolo pleaded guilty in 1998 to gambling fraud charges following a Louisiana investigation. He stepped down from his position as head of the 49ers operations when two Louisiana newspapers reported that he would be indicted on gambling fraud.
DeBartolo was charged with failing to report a felony when he paid $400,000 to former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards in exchange for a riverboat gambling license. DeBartolo was not sentenced to prison, but was fined $1 million and was suspended by the NFL for a year. When the suspension ended he turned over operations to his sister, Denise DeBartolo York. The team is currently run by his nephew, John York.
On hand for the pardon ceremony were several former San Francisco 49ers players, including Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Ronnie Lott, as well as Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown.
“He’s the main reason why we won so many Super Bowls,” said Jerry Rice at the ceremony. “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.”
During his time as owner of the 49ers, the team won five Super Bowls, which was a record at that time. He helped to turn around a franchise and became one of the most successful owners in sports. However, the conviction was a black mark on the league, and he was banned from having any direct contact with the club.
The DeBartolo family also once owned the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League.
Besides DeBartolo, Trump either pardoned or commuted the sentences of several other well-known figures. Former Illinois Gov. Ron Blagojevich had his 14-year sentence commuted to eight years and was released from federal detention on February 18. Legendary junk-bond king Michael Milken also had his sentence commuted and former New York Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik was pardoned.
