Outgoing President Donald Trump has pardoned Casey Urlacher for his part in an offshore sports betting ring. The brother of former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was indicted back in February.
He was one of 10 named defendants associated with Uncle Mick Sports. The offshore sports betting site was administered in Costa Rica and served US sports betting customers using an agent system.
According to the indictment, Urlacher set up accounts and helped move money between bettors and the site.
As a result, he faced two counts, each with a potential prison sentence of five years.
However, Urlacher has now been granted a full pardon by Trump. Brian Urlacher met with Trump at the White House in March 2020, according to media reports.
‘Devoted husband’
In a statement, the White House noted the pardon was supported by friends, family, and “countless members of his community”.
“Throughout his life, Mr. Urlacher has been committed to public service and has consistently given back to his community. Currently, Mr. Urlacher serves as the unpaid Mayor of Mettawa, Illinois. He is a devoted husband to his wife and a loving father to his 17-month old daughter.”
Billy Walters’ sentence commuted
Elsewhere, Trump also commuted the sentence of renowned sports bettor Billy Walters for insider trading charges.
Walters already served four years of his prison sentence and has paid $44 million in fines, forfeitures, and restitution.
The White House noted the commutation was supported by “numerous professional golfers” including Phil Mickelson and Butch Harmon.
In total, Trump pardoned 73 individuals and commuted the sentences of 70 more as one of his final acts in office.
The outgoing president hasn’t exactly supported the sports betting industry during his tenure, but there is some optimism Joe Biden may be more helpful.
