December 2, 1997

STATEMENT FROM COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE:

We had been aware of the grand jury investigation in Louisiana prior to today’s announcement. Mr. DeBartolo and officials of the San Francisco 49ers also had made my office aware of the steps announced today with respect to the restructuring of the club’s management and Mr. DeBartolo’s decision to remove himself from any role in NFL and club operations pending the resolution of the legal proceedings.

With the full cooperation of the DeBartolo family and the 49ers, our office is ensuring complete compliance with all League requirements during this interim period.

I have advised the 49ers of my approval of the steps taken today by the DeBartolo family and the club and of my complete confidence in Carmen Policy and 49ers management. The steps announced today will have no effect on the performance of the football team, the development of the new stadium, or the quality operations that have characterized the 49ers for two decades.

It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the legal proceedings involving Mr. DeBartolo while those matters remain subject to the judicial process.