San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York has been suspended for six regular-season games and fined $500,000 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, the league announced Friday.
York was slapped with the penalties two months after he was arrested Aug. 23 in Ohio on suspicion of engaging in prostitution. He later pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools.
“During the time the league’s investigation has been proceeding, York has stayed away from the 49ers first three regular-season games, as well as from NFL league meetings,” the league said in a statement. “Those three missed games are counted toward his suspension, and he may return on Tuesday, Oct. 20.”
After the announcement, York released a statement through the 49ers apologizing to “my family, to the players, coaches, and employees of the San Francisco 49ers, to our fans and partners.”
“This was an inexcusable mistake and I take full responsibility,” it said. “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.”
York called leading the 49ers “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,” the statement said.
York, 46, was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. He was arrested about 20 miles south of his hometown in East Palestine, Ohio, where police were conducting a prostitution sting at a mobile home park.
York, was initially charged with engaging in prostitution, according to court records obtained by The Associated Press,
Prosecutors later amended that charge to disorderly conduct, and York pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools.
He was released after spending a night in jail and posting a $5,000 bond. He was sentenced to one day in jail on each count, to be served concurrently, and was credited with one day served. He was also fined $1,150, the AP reported.
York had a cellphone returned to him, but the $160 that police confiscated from him was given to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of the plea agreement. He also completed an online course, the AP reported.
York has run the 49ers since 2008, when he took over day-to-day control of the team from his parents. He became the principal owner in 2024.
On his watch, the 49ers became a Super Bowl contender, and he oversaw construction of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
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