49ers co-Owner Eddie DeBartolo's "reign might be
nearing an end," according to Elliott Almond of the SAN JOSE
MERCURY NEWS, who notes sources who said that "for the first
time," DeBartolo "seems ready to concede the team to his
sister," Denise DeBartolo York. The two are set to meet
today in U.S. District Court in Cleveland "as part of their
ongoing discussions to end a contentious legal battle."
Although an agreement has not been reached, a source close
to the case said that "the disputing parties have made
progress in accepting a compromise that would leave
DeBartolo York in charge of the 49ers." The deal would give
DeBartolo "stock options and cash from the DeBartolo
Corporation to walk away from the team" (MERCURY NEWS,
6/30). In S.F., Matier & Ross cite a source close to the
team as saying, "Eddie's ready to move on with his life."
One reason DeBartolo "may be willing to let go of the 49ers
is the [NFL's] reluctance to let him take back control of
the team." Matier & Ross add that a rumored deal involving
DeBartolo and his sister would be "fraught with complex tax
implications for both sides" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 6/30).
