CHICAGO (AP) – The brother of Chicago Bears Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher, who faced federal charges that he recruited for a multi-million dollar illegal offshore gambling ring, has been pardoned by President Donald Trump.
Casey Urlacher, the mayor of the tiny Chicago suburb of Mettawa, was among those pardoned in the final hours of Trump’s White House term as part of a flurry of clemency action that benefited more than 140 people.
Casey Urlacher, 41, was charged last February and pleaded not guilty the next month.
Like his brother, he also played football but with limited success, having played at Lake Forest College and in the Arena Football League before becoming mayor of the village of fewer than 550 people in 2013.
Brian Urlacher has been a supporter of Trump, contributing to his campaign shortly after his brother was indicted and visiting the White House and presenting the president with a No. 54 Chicago Bears jersey days after his brother pleaded not guilty.
In a statement after the pardon was announced early Wednesday, the White House explained Trump’s decision.
“Throughout his life, Mr. Urlacher has been committed to public service and has consistently given back to his community,” the statement reads. “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.”
Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.
