49ers Owner Jed York Suspended, Fined $500,000 Over East Palestine Prostitution Arrest

San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York has been suspended six games and fined $500,000 by the NFL for violating the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, stemming from an arrest in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this year.

York was taken into custody by the East Palestine police department on Aug. 23, working alongside the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. According to the arrest details, York allegedly responded to an online prostitution advertisement and traveled to a meeting location that turned out to be a residential trailer park. He had $160 on him at the time of his arrest.

York later pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges: disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools, the latter referring to the cell phone he used to arrange the meeting. A Columbiana County Jail sentence of two days followed, with credit given for one day already served. He was also ordered to complete an online anti-prostitution course and pay $1,150 in fines.

Between the court-ordered fine, the NFL’s $500,000 penalty, and the $160 seized during the sting and forfeited to the task force, York’s total financial cost from the episode comes to $501,310.

The NFL said three regular-season games York had already missed while the league’s investigation was underway count toward his six-game suspension. He is eligible to return on Oct. 20.

“During the time the league’s investigation has been proceeding, York has stayed away from the 49ers first three regular-season games, as well as from NFL league meetings,” the NFL said in a statement. “Those three missed games are counted toward his suspension, and he may return on Oct. 20.”

York’s Statement

York issued a written apology after the league’s review concluded.

“Today, the NFL concluded its review, and I accept its decision in fully,” York 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 taken questions in person about the incident, though the NFL has a fall meeting scheduled for Oct. 20-22 where reporters are expected to be present.