NFL Fines SF 49ers Owner $500K, Hands Down 6-Game Suspension Over Prostitution Arrest

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York was suspended for six games and fined half a million dollars by the National Football League for violating its personal conduct policy.

The NFL on Friday announced the punishment against York, who was scrutinized and probed by the league over his August arrest on suspicion of engaging in prostitution.

York said in a statement released by the 49ers that he accepted the league's decision and that he took full responsibility for an "inexcusable mistake."

"What I did does not reflect my values or the man I strive to be for my family," York said in the statement, according to the NFL. "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."

The principal owner of the 49ers was arrested on Sunday, Aug. 23, by the East Palestine Police Department in Ohio at a mobile home community during a sting targeting human trafficking.

Bodycam footage obtained by Patch shows York being pulled over in East Palestine, Ohio, while wearing a Yankees shirt.

York claims he was "just driving" when officers pulled him over at a mobile home community during a sting targeting human trafficking.

When questioned, York tells the officer he's from the area. The video then shows officers placing York in the back of a squad car.

"That one was easy," one officer can be heard saying. "Super easy," another officer said.

The officers comment on the cash York was carrying, with one saying, 'He's a real estate guy; he's got all the money."

The video then cuts to an officer saying, "It's crazy the people that do this."

"They could do whatever they want; they could do other things, they could go other ways," the officer says. "That's wild."

York was arraigned in Columbiana County court on Monday, where he pleaded no contest to lesser misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools, court records show. The tool he possessed was his cell phone, which authorities said he used to answer the ad.

Court records show he also submitted an expungement request and paid $1,150 in fines.

York's cellphone was eventually returned to him, and the $160 he had on him during his arrest was donated to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of his plea agreement, according to the NFL.

York will also have to complete an online course, the NFL said.

York's suspension is retroactive, meaning the three 49ers games he didn't attend following his arrest will count towards his punishment, according to the NFL.

He'll be allowed back with the team during their Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders on Monday, Oct. 19.

"Leading the 49ers is a privilege, and one I don’t take lightly," York said. "Your trust will have to be earned back over time, and I look forward to that work ahead."

The 46-year-old took over the 49ers' day-to-day operations in 2008 and became principal owner in 2024. During his time, the franchise made eight playoff trips and three trips to the Super Bowl. The team has did not win any of those Super Bowls.