President Donald Trump just held a surprise media event at the White House to announce he's pardoning former SF 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr..
Now, some back story ...
Back in the late '90s, DeBartolo -- who owned the 9ers at the time -- pled guilty to his role in a riverboat gambling scandal.
Long story short ... DeBartolo claimed he was being extorted by ex-Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards -- who demanded $400,000 in cash to get the last riverboat casino license offered up by the state.
In 1998, DeBartolo was found guilty of failing to report the transaction -- a felony -- and was sentenced to 2 years probation and ordered to pay $1 million in fines and other costs.
In 1999, DeBartolo gave up his stake of the 49ers.
Unclear why Trump decided to pardon 73-year-old DeBartolo on Tuesday -- the White House said a press release will be issued soon.
#NEW Jerry Rice,Jim Brown,Todd Haley, Ronnie Lott and other Ex @NFL Players at the White House today.
— Christina Aguayo 🇺🇲America's Daily Report (@TinaAguayotv) February 18, 2020
Trump has pardoned Eddie DeBartolo Jr., the Former Owner of the 49ers
"I take my hat off to Donald Trump for what he did," Rice said. @JerryRice @realDonaldTrump @WhiteHouse pic.twitter.com/D5aKTc5TVx
Jerry Rice and Jim Brown were at the White House for the announcement and praised Trump for the move.
Story developing ...