Joe Lewis, the 88-year-old British billionaire and former owner of Tottenham Hotspur FC, has received a pardon from Donald Trump following his 2024 conviction related to an insider trading scheme. A New York judge had previously imposed a $5 million fine and a three-year probation period on Lewis after he pled guilty to charges that he provided inside information to enhance the financial positions of friends, lovers, and employees. Lewis avoided jail time due to the non-custodial plea agreement he entered into with prosecutors.
Initially, his legal representatives criticized the decision to charge him with multiple counts of securities fraud and conspiracy as an “egregious” error. However, Lewis eventually changed his plea to guilty, agreeing to the aforementioned terms after discussions with prosecutors. He retained the option to alter his plea if a custodial sentence were imposed. During his sentencing, Lewis expressed remorse, stating that he “made a terrible mistake” and acknowledged his accountability for breaking the law.
In addition to his personal fine, the judge also fined his company, Broad Bay, $44 million for its role in the insider trading activities. On Thursday, the Daily Telegraph reported on Trump’s intention to issue a full pardon. The White House confirmed that Lewis had requested the pardon to facilitate medical treatment and the ability to visit family in the U.S.
According to statements from Lewis and close family members, the pardon has been well-received, allowing him to focus on retirement and family business continuity. In a notable move prior to his legal troubles, Lewis transferred majority ownership of Tottenham to his family via a trust in 2022. The club is currently managed by his daughter Vivienne, son Charles, and son-in-law Nick Beucher.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/13/trump-to-pardon-british-billionaire-and-former-tottenham-owner-joe-lewis