The NFL has suspended San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York for six regular-season games and fined him $500,000 following his arrest in Ohio.
The NFL announced Friday that San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York will serve a six-game suspension and pay a $500,000 fine following an investigation into his arrest in Ohio.
The league said York had already missed the 49ers’ first three regular-season games and stayed away from NFL league meetings while the investigation was ongoing. Those absences count toward the suspension, making him eligible to return on Oct. 20.
York was arrested before the start of the NFL season in East Palestine, Ohio, during an investigation conducted by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.
Police said he responded to an online prostitution advertisement and went to a mobile home community expecting to engage in paid sexual activity.
York was initially charged with engaging in prostitution. Prosecutors later amended that charge to disorderly conduct. He also pleaded no contest to possessing criminal tools after using his phone to respond to the online advertisement.
He was sentenced to one day in jail for the offenses, received credit for time already served and was fined $1,150. The court case also resulted in an online course requirement.
In a statement released by the 49ers, York accepted the NFL’s punishment and apologized to his family, the team’s players, coaches, employees, fans and partners. He described his conduct as an “inexcusable mistake” and said he takes responsibility for it.
49ers linebacker Fred Warner previously said players were aware of York’s situation but that it had not become a significant topic inside the locker room. Warner also expressed respect for York while declining to comment further on the case.
The 49ers entered their Week 4 matchup against the Denver Broncos with a 3-0 record, meaning the owner’s absence had not prevented the team from beginning the season undefeated.
York assumed day-to-day control of the 49ers in 2008 and became the team’s principal owner in 2024. During his tenure, San Francisco reached three Super Bowls, including appearances during the 2012, 2019 and 2023 seasons.
York also oversaw the team’s move into Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara in 2014.
