49ers owner Jed York suspended and fined $500,000 after prostitution arrest | NFL

The NFL suspended San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York for six games on Friday following his arrest earlier this year in connection with a prostitution sting in Ohio.

The league announced that York was also fined $500,000 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. York has not attended any matches or league meetings so far this season and has been credited with three matches served. He is eligible to return on October 20, following the team’s game the previous night against Washington. The NFL fall league meetings begin that day in New York.

York said in a statement released by the team that he accepted the punishment meted out by the league and apologized for his actions.

“To my family, to the players, coaches and employees of the San Francisco 49ers, to our fans and partners, I am deeply sorry,” he said. “It was an inexcusable mistake and I take full responsibility for it. What I did does not reflect my values or the man I strive to be for my family. Although I fell short of the role model I want to set for my sons, I now hope to show them the importance of admitting failure and that even our worst moments teach us to be better. Leading the 49ers is a privilege that I do not take lightly. Your trust will be regained over time, and I look forward to this work to come.

In August, York was arrested at a mobile home park by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force after police said he attempted to pay $160 for sex with a woman he believed to be a prostitute.

York was taken into custody and was released after posting $5,000 bond. York was initially charged with prostitution, but prosecutors changed that to disorderly conduct. He pleaded no contest to that charge and to possession of criminal tools for using his phone to respond to an undercover online prostitution advertisement.

He was sentenced to one day in jail for both offenses, to be served concurrently, and was credited with one day served when he pleaded no contest. He was also fined $1,150. Police seized the $160 from York and later turned it over to the Human Trafficking Task Force as part of the plea. York also took an online course.

It also has stakes in Premier League side Leeds United and Scotland’s Rangers through 49ers Enterprises.