San Francisco's most decorated quarterback-turned-real estate developer Joe Montana was the subject of a brief but fruitless FBI inquiry related to the same sting operation that nabbed state Senator Leland Yee and Chinatown leader Shrimp Boy.

According to Matier and Ross, an anonymous source close to the investigation leaked the information, carefully pointing out that no actual charges levied against the four-time Super Bowl champion and Santa Clara apologist. "Nobody has said he did anything wrong," the Chron's source said. But now that Montana's name has hit the press, there's more pressure on U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer to seal certain evidence from the public's view.

As Judge Breyer told an open court last month, "It is important that people who are innocently involved are not subjected to undue speculation."

Last week, Matier and Ross also revealed evidence that the FBI may have tried to lure city supervisors London Breed and Malia Cohen into some shady business deals with a fake real estate developer named William Joseph. Although both supervisors admit they met with someone going by that name, none of them were impressed enough by Joseph's cover story to do business with him.

In Montana's case, the Chronicle hasn't revealed how he was allegedly connected to any sketchy business dealings, only that his name was brought up by the defense attorney for former school board President Keith Jackson during a private meeting. The FBI, for obvious reasons, won't reveal any additional details. Rob Mezzetti, Montana's lawyer, says the fact that his longtime client was under FBI scrutiny was news to him. As Mezzetti told the Chronicle, Montana doesn't take any shortcuts when it comes to buttoning-up his development deals.

The city of Santa Clara recently agreed to the terms of Montana's plan to build a 200-room hotel, office complex, and namesake restaurant next door to Levi's Stadium. Montana hopes to have the whole thing open in time for Super Bowl L, which is expected to bring 1 million football fans to the Bay Area.

Previously: All Oh No, Leland Yee Coverage on SFist
[Chron]