Trump pardons Tampa real estate tycoon for role in 1990s fraud scandal
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Feb 18, 2020

President Trump has pardoned one of Tampa's wealthiest residents for his role in a 1990s fraud scandal.

The White House on Tuesday announced the pardoning of Eddie DeBartolo Jr., a 73-year-old Tampa-based real estate developer and former owner of the San Francisco 49ers.

DeBartolo, whose family built its fortune in shopping center development, is among the world's richest people. He ranks No. 319 on the Forbes 400 with a net worth of $2.7 billion and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. He turned control of the 49ers over to his sister after he was suspended by the NFL in 1997.

In 1998, DeBartolo pleaded guilty to failing to report a felony and instead paid former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards $400,000 in exchange for a riverboat gambling license.

A spokeswoman for DeBartolo Holdings declined comment Tuesday.

Former NFL players Jerry Rice, Jim Brown, Ronnie Lott and Charles Haley were in attendance at the White House press announcement, the Associated Press reports.

"He's the main reason why we won so many Super Bowls," Rice said, according to the AP. "So today is a great day for him. I'm glad to be here and be a part of that. It's just something I will never forget. This man, he has done so much in the community, has done so much in NFL football."