Ex-49ers Head Says Bribery Tale Is True

Former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr., testifying in Baton Rouge, La., would not be shaken from his claim that former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards extorted $400,000 from him in 1997. DeBartolo’s testimony was among the most damaging in the racketeering trial of Edwards, his son Stephen, Louisiana state Sen. Greg Tarver and four others. Federal prosecutors say the men manipulated the licensing of riverboat casinos before and after the governor left office in 1996. The ex-governor could face 350 years in prison and $7.2 million in fines if convicted. His son could get 305 years. In 1998, DeBartolo pleaded guilty to failing to report the alleged extortion.