San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York has been suspended for six games and fined $500,000, the NFL announced on Friday, Oct. 2, for violating the league's personal conduct policy in the aftermath of police saying he attempted to solicit prostitution in Ohio.
York was arrested on Aug. 23 in East Palestine, Ohio, and originally faced a charge of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools. He later reached a plea deal to change the former charge to disorderly conduct.
York has been away from the 49ers for the first three regular-season games, as well as from NFL league meetings, while the league conducted its own investigation, the NFL said. Those three missed games count toward his suspension, and he may return on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
“Today,
the NFL concluded its review, and I accept its decision in full," York said in a statement. "To my family, to the players, coaches, and employees of the San Francisco 49ers, to our fans and partners, I am deeply sorry. This was an inexcusable mistake and I take full responsibility. What I did does not reflect my values or the man I strive to be for my family. While I fell short of the model I want to set for my sons, I now hope to show them the importance of owning up to one’s failures, and that even our worst moments teach us to be better.
"Leading the 49ers is a privilege, and one I don’t take lightly. Your trust will have to be earned back over time, and I look forward to that work ahead.”
Jed York's arrest
York, 46, allegedly responded to an ad placed by police on a "known prostitution site," reaching out to an officer three times before coordinating a meeting, according to an incident report from the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force. Using the alias "Joe," he agreed to the given price of $160 for one hour of "full service sexual activity" and arrived at a mobile home park looking for the fictitious lot number given to him by the officer. He was met by officers, who arrested him after confirming his phone was the one used to arrange the meet-up.
York was sentenced to one day in jail for each charge, to be served concurrently, with one day of credit for time served, according to Columbiana County court records. He also paid two fines totaling $1,150.
The NFL confirmed after York's arrest that he would be subject to discipline under the league's personal conduct policy, which states, "Conduct by anyone in the league that is illegal, violent, dangerous, or irresponsible puts innocent victims at risk, damages the reputation of others in the game, and undercuts public respect and support for the NFL."
York, 46, has been the 49ers' CEO since 2008, at which point he took over day-to-day operations of the franchise. He only officially became principal owner in 2024, however, when he purchased additional equity shares from his mother, Denise DeBartolo York.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL suspends, fines 49ers owner Jed York after prostitution sting arrest
