President Donald Trump has signed an executive order granting clemency for a full pardon for former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr., according to an announcement from the White House on Tuesday. The pardon is for the 1998 felony conviction in which DeBartolo pleaded guilty for failing to report his role in the corruption case against former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards.
DeBartolo did not face jail time after testifying against Edwards. The NFL forced him to pay a $1 million fine, and he was suspended following the 1998 season. DeBartolo never returned to the 49ers or any NFL team after that point but was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
All five of the 49ers' Super Bowl championships have come under DeBartolo's ownership. The team has been to the Super Bowl twice since but lost both games, including Super Bowl LIV, earlier this month.
Former 49ers greats, such as Jerry Rice and Ronnie Lott, were in attendance at the announcement on Tuesday, according to NBC News White House Correspondent Peter Alexander.
Trump just signed an executive order granting clemency for Eddie DeBartolo Jr., former owner of the @49ers
— Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) February 18, 2020
"Thirty years ago, I got the opportunity to play the greatest game ever, NFL football," Rice said at the White House on Tuesday. "It was because of Eddie DeBartolo and also Bill Walsh and that organization. It was all about family. That's really what they stood for, and that's the reason why, I think, we won so many championships and so many ball games.
"So Eddie was like that 12th man that was on that football field, and you know that this guy, he wanted us to win. And I think he's the main reason why we won so many Super Bowls. So today's a great day for him. I'm glad to be here and be a part of that, and it's just something I'll never forget. This man, he has done so much in the community, has done so much in NFL football, and today is a great day for him."
Jerry Rice & Ronnie Lott pay tribute to DeBartolo Jr. pic.twitter.com/DWozSTPklQ
— Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) February 18, 2020
After purchasing the team in 1977, in addition to the five championships, DeBartolo helped the 49ers to 16 consecutive seasons of 10-or-more wins during his 23 years as owner.
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