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 disciplined 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 possession of criminal tools.
“During the league’s investigation, York remained absent from the 49ers’ first three regular season games, as well as NFL league meetings,” the league said in a statement. “These three missed games count towards his suspension, and he could return on Tuesday, October 20.”
After the announcement, York released a statement through the 49ers, apologizing to “my family, the players, coaches and employees of the San Francisco 49ers, our fans and partners.”
“It was an inexcusable mistake and I take full responsibility for it,” he said. “What I did does not reflect my values or the man I strive to be for my family. Although I have not achieved 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.”
York called leading the 49ers “a privilege, one that I don’t take lightly.”
“Your trust will need to be regained over time, and I look forward to this 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 running a prostitution operation at a mobile home park.
York, was initially charged with 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 possession of criminal tools.
He was released after spending a night in jail and posting $5,000 bail. He was sentenced to one day in jail on each count, to be served concurrently, and was given credit for one day served. He was also fined $1,150, the AP reported.
York had a cell phone returned to him, but the $160 that police confiscated from him was turned over to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of the plea deal. He also took an online course, the AP reported.
York has led the 49ers since 2008, when he took over day-to-day control of the team from his parents. He becomes the main owner in 2024.
Under his leadership, the 49ers became Super Bowl contenders and he oversaw the construction of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
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