![Trump Pardons Ex-San Francisco 49ers Owner DeBartolo Jr.](https://townsquare.media/site/88/files/2020/02/GettyImages-586854672.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Trump Pardons Ex-San Francisco 49ers Owner DeBartolo Jr.
By AAMER MADHANI and KEVIN FREKING undefined
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pardoned Edward DeBartolo Jr., the former San Francisco 49ers owner convicted in a gambling fraud scandal. DeBartolo Jr. built the San Francisco 49ers' 1980s-1990s dynasty. He was involved in one of the biggest owners' scandals in the sport's history. In 1998, he pleaded guilty to failing to report a felony when he paid $400,000 to former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards in exchange for a riverboat gambling license. The White House announced the surprise decision to reporters on Tuesday. NFL great Jerry Rice played on three of DeBartolo's Super Bowl-winning teams and says DeBartolo "was like that 12th man" of the great 49ers teams.
More From 600 ESPN El Paso
![Celebrate 50 years of The Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular](http://townsquare.media/site/62/files/2020/02/RS24252_GettyImages-892338956.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![City of El Paso Responds to New Recycling Schedule Complaints](http://townsquare.media/site/63/files/2020/02/GettyImages-blue-bins.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Hamlin and Newman Contrast Risk and Reward at Daytona 500](http://townsquare.media/site/432/files/2020/02/GettyImages-1206967271.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Tim Tebow Says He’s Had “Some Communication” With The XFL](http://townsquare.media/site/758/files/2016/08/Tim.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MLB Commissioner Defends Astros Punishment](http://townsquare.media/site/535/files/2020/02/Rob-Manfred.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Team LeBron Wins NBA All-Star Game](http://townsquare.media/site/535/files/2020/02/nba-all-starr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Former UL WR Ryheem Malone Helps XFL Team to Another Win](http://townsquare.media/site/37/files/2018/09/LAFootball6.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MinerTalk: UTEP Looks Toward Bonus Play Amid 5 Game Losing Streak](http://townsquare.media/site/88/files/2020/01/COACH-TERRY.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Former Sioux Falls Skyforce Star Wins NBA Dunk Contest](http://townsquare.media/site/535/files/2018/01/Derrick-Jones-Jr.jpg?w=980&q=75)