NFL Suspends 49ers CEO Jed York, Fines Him After Arrest

The NFL has suspended San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York for six games following his arrest in an undercover prostitution sting.

The league also imposed a $500,000 fine after determining that York breached the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy by attempting to pay $160 for sex at an Ohio trailer park in August.

The married 46-year-old had already withdrawn from public view as the 49ers dealt with a turbulent few months involving injury conspiracy theories and a mysterious car crash involving head coach Kyle Shanahan.

In a statement issued after the NFL announced its decision, York — who is estimated to be worth $500 million — spoke publicly for the first time since his arrest and apologized to his family, the team and its supporters.

‘Today, the NFL concluded its review, and I accept its decision in full,’ he said. ‘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.’

York has not been seen in public since the incident and maintained a low profile while the NFL carried out its investigation.

The league’s ruling clears the way for York to return on October 20, after San Francisco’s Week 6 game against the Washington Commanders.

He could return to the stands the following week when the 49ers visit the Atlanta Falcons on October 25. The first three games of his six-game suspension will already have been served by then.

Court documents obtained by Our News Outlet after York’s August arrest stated that he ‘arranged to have sexual activity with the female in exchange for $140.’ He had responded to an undercover advertisement posted on a prostitution website monitored by law enforcement.

When York arrived at the agreed location, believed to be the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community in East Palestine, he encountered an undercover law enforcement operation.

An agent with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force arrested him after discovering that York had ‘in his possession his cellular device which was used to arrange a criminal act,’ according to court documents.

Court records show that York, who was born in Youngstown, Ohio, about 20 miles from East Palestine, was initially charged with engaging in prostitution. Prosecutors later amended that charge to disorderly conduct. He also faced a charge of possessing criminal tools.

York received a one-day jail sentence for both offenses, to be served concurrently, and was credited with time already served when he pleaded no contest on Monday morning. He was also fined $1,150.

Records also show that York had a cellphone returned to him and that $160 that was seized was to be given to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of the plea agreement. He also completed an online course.

It comes after York filed for divorce from his wife, Danielle, back in May and cited irreconcilable differences. 

The York family took control of the San Francisco 49ers organization back in 2000, with Jed first working under his father John in the early 2000s. 

He took over the running of day-to-day activities in 2008 when he became CEO, and in 2024 he acquired enough of his mother’s stake to become majority owner.

York and 49ers Enterprises also co-own Premier League soccer team Leeds United, and Scottish Premiership giants Rangers FC.