The NFL announced Friday that San Francisco 49ers owner and CEO Jed York has been suspended for six games and fined $500,000 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. York was arrested on August 23 in East Palestine, Ohio, as part of a prostitution sting operation conducted by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools, receiving a sentence of one day in jail and a $1,150 fine. The $160 seized during the arrest was forfeited to the task force as part of his plea agreement.
York has already served three games of his suspension and is eligible to return on October 20, the day after the 49ers’ Week 6 game against the Washington Commanders and the start of the league’s fall meetings in New York.
York’s statement and team response
In a statement released by the 49ers, York acknowledged his actions, stating, “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.” He added that while he fell short of his own standards, he hoped to demonstrate accountability to his sons.
The 49ers organization has not publicly commented beyond York’s statement. The team has proceeded with its operations under the league’s enforcement of the suspension.
Details of the arrest and legal resolution
According to an arrest report, York responded to an online advertisement that was later revealed to be a law enforcement operation. The sting targeted individuals seeking commercial sex acts, and York was taken into custody at a residence in East Palestine. His arrest occurred during a period when he had not attended any games or league meetings this season, which the NFL credited toward his suspension.
York has held his role as 49ers CEO since 2008 and became principal owner in 2024. He is married to Danielle Belluomini York, with whom he has two sons. The couple filed for divorce in May of this year.
NFL’s enforcement and policy context
The league’s decision follows its review under the Personal Conduct Policy, which governs behavior deemed detrimental to the NFL’s image or operations. The policy applies to owners, players, and staff, with disciplinary measures ranging from fines to suspensions or bans. The NFL has faced scrutiny in recent years over inconsistencies in enforcement, particularly regarding domestic violence, drunk driving, and other off-field incidents.
The suspension period aligns with York’s absence from team activities, though the 49ers have not indicated any changes to coaching or operational leadership during his suspension. The team remains scheduled to play its Week 6 matchup as planned.
Timeline of key events
- August 23: York arrested in Ohio prostitution sting.
- September: York pleads no contest to misdemeanor charges; sentenced to one day in jail and fined $1,150.
- September (ongoing): York serves first three games of six-game suspension.
- October 20: York eligible to return, coinciding with 49ers’ Week 6 game and NFL fall meetings.