President Donald Trump has pardoned the sports and entertainment executive who spearheaded construction of UBS Arena and helped bring the Islanders back to Long Island.

Oak View Group co-founder Tim Leiweke was indicted in July by Trump's own Justice Department on one count of conspiracy to restrain trade for allegedly orchestrating the bidding process of an arena in Austin, Texas.

With a jury trial scheduled to begin next year, Trump unexpectedly issued a "full and unconditional pardon" to Leiweke, according to a document posted on the Justice Department's website and signed Dec. 2. Leiweke had faces up to 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

In a statement Wednesday night, Leiweke said: "I do not have the words to adequately convey my profound gratitude to President Trump. Th

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