President Donald Trump held a media event on Tuesday at the White House to announce he’s pardoning former SF 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr.
It’s been a while so let’s speak on the backstory. Way back in the 90’s, DeBartolo pleaded guilty to a felony charge of failing to report that a former Louisiana governor, Edwin Edwards, allegedly extorted $400,000 from him to win a casino license.
Although DeBartolo paid $1 million in penalties and served two years of probation,, he avoided prison altogether.
Several retired NFL players, including Hall of Famers Jerry Rice, Charles Haley, Ronnie Lott and Jim Brown were in attendance for this event.
Jerry Rice was very appreciative for what Trump did.
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“Eddie was like that 12th man that was on that football field. You know that this guy, you know, he wanted us to win. And I think he’s the main reason why we won so many Super Bowls,” Rice told reporters. “Today is a great day for him. 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.
DeBartolo owned the 49ers from 1977 to 2000 and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
