San Francisco 49ers Icon Edward DeBartolo Pardoned by Donald Trump

Edward DeBartolo, the former owner of the San Francisco 49ers, has been pardoned by President Donald Trump.

DeBartolo had been convicted of fraud in a gambling scandal in 1998 involving former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards. DeBartolo avoided prison for his role in the scheme and was sentenced to probation, with a fine of $250,000, $350,000 in restitution and $400,000 in forfeiture.

Following his conviction, DeBartolo had been forced to hand over the keys to the 49ers to his sister, Denise York. During his tenure as the team’s owner, the 49ers won five Super Bowls.

DeBartolo’s pardon was announced by the Deputy Assistant to the President & Principal Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley on the White House’s North Lawn on the morning of February 18. Also present, were NFL Hall of Famers, Jerry Rice, Charles Haley, Ronnie Lott as well as Jim Brown. Haley said of DeBartolo, “We all make mistakes. I know what he’s done… for the kids.”