Policy resigns as 49ers president
Posted: Wednesday July 22, 1998 02:20 AM
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Carmen Policy lost his power struggle for control of the 49ers AP |
ATLANTA (CNN/SI) -- San
Francisco 49ers president Carmen Policy has resigned from the
organization, CNN/SI has learned.
According to Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael Silver, the rift
between Policy and Edward DeBartolo had grown too big, and Policy could not
work for him anymore. The two have not talked since the Super Bowl in
January.
Policy informed NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue of the move over the
weekend.
Policy resigned in person to Edward DeBartolo's sister, Marie Denise
DeBartolo York, who controls the team as chairman of the 49ers while her
brother deals with his legal problems.
DeBartolo surrendered control of the franchise to his sister in December
after a gambling license he obtained in Louisiana became a target of a
federal investigation.
DeBartolo Entertainment and Hollywood Casino were partners in an effort to
build a $194 million shopping, entertainment and gambling development in
Bossier City, Louisiana, near Baton Rouge.
DeBartolo is looking for a replacement, one likely candidate is Bill
Walsh.
Policy is in Cleveland, where he will meet with Al Lerner, who has an
interest in the Cleveland Browns expansion franchise.
DeBartolo's legal situation may be cleared up soon. In the meantime, his
sister still controls the football team. A settlement to put Edward back in
charge may come soon.
Policy had been running the team's day-to-day operations while York has
been in charge.
Policy joined the 49ers' front office in 1983 as vice president and legal
counsel. He was promoted to executive vice president and legal counsel in
1989 and has been involved in all legal and business matters since then.
He became the 49ers president in 1991 and quickly gained a reputation as a
master of the salary cap for his ability to fit high-caliber players under
the team's salary structure.
Since 1989, Policy's 49ers have won eight division titles and two Super
Bowl titles, the latest being 1995, when he was named NFL Executive of the
Year by both The Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly.
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