The 49ers' future "is at stake," as NFL Commissioner
Paul Tagliabue will hear from Eddie DeBartolo's attorneys
today in Washington, DC, who will argue that DeBartolo
"should still be considered the managing general partner of
the 49ers," according to Glenn Dickey of the S.F. CHRONICLE.
If a December agreement regarding the team's management
structure between DeBartolo and his sister, Denise DeBartolo
York, is voided by Tagliabue, then DeBartolo would be able
to return as soon as he can "clear himself" in LA, where his
indictment "is expected" as part of a gambling
investigation. If Tagliabue decides against DeBartolo, he
would have to petition NFL owners to regain control of the
team. DeBartolo York's attorneys argue that the agreement
giving her control of the 49ers "is valid," and "she has the
right to make decisions" for the team. Tagliabue will also
adjudicate a dispute between Mills Corp., which is supposed
to build the shopping center adjacent to the proposed new
49ers stadium, and DeBartolo Ent., which "contends that
Mills owes them an unspecified sum" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/1).
