The most successful owner in Bay Area sports history is now receiving a reprieve from the most power man in the United States. Former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. has received a pardon from President Donald Trump, according to Josh Wingrove of Bloomberg News.
While it’s not specified what the pardon entails, common logic seems to suggest that it has to do with a bribery case involving former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards back in 1998. DeBartolo Jr. pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to report a felony and received a $1 million fine and two years of probation.
It ultimately led to DeBartolo Jr. ceding control of the 49ers to his sister, Denise York, back in 2000. York’s son, Jed, has since been called on to run the team.
Under the leadership of Eddie D, as he’s known, the 49ers earned five Super Bowl titles. They have yet to win another once since he gave up control of the team.