21 Jan '17 04:52>
Originally posted by whodeyThe practice of not reporting the income of these shows and memorabilia had been common for decades and the IRS had mostly looked the other way unless cases fell into their lap. But it became so widespread it became a serious problem and the IRS decided they needed to make a few examples to send a message, and apparently worked. McCovey was reportedly very cooperative where he could have made the investigation extremely difficult - I don't remember the details. And he was very contrite to point that the prosecution itself felt bad that he was getting nailed when so many less savory players were getting away with it. But the message was sent and the practice has been reduced considerably. My understanding is that the investigators and prosecutors themselves recommended the pardon.
William McCovey was pardoned for tax evasion. For those who don't know, he was a baseball player who made around $80,000 in in autographs and such.
So does this send message that the tax laws are too harsh or does it send the message that the President of the US simply enjoys showing partiality to certain Americans over others?