49ers Nightmare: Jed York hit with massive NFL punishment after ‘inexcusable’ prostitution scandal
York had been arrested by the East Palestine (Ohio) Police Department in August.
The San Francisco 49ers have been handed a major off-field blow after owner Jed York was suspended for six games and fined $500,000 by the NFL over a violation of the league's personal conduct policy.
York's punishment follows his no-contest plea in Ohio on August 24 to two misdemeanor charges stemming from his arrest the previous month. He did not attend the first three games, and the NFL will count those absences toward his suspension.
That means York is eligible to return October 20, one day after the 49ers play the Washington Commanders as the team continues pushing for the Super Bowl .
Court records obtained say York allegedly responded to an undercover advertisement on a prostitution website and arranged sexual activity with a woman for $140 while using a pseudonym.
He was arrested August 23 at the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community by East Palestine police working with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and initially faced misdemeanor charges of engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools.
His plea agreement amended the prostitution charge to misdemeanor disorderly conduct. He was ordered to pay $1,150 in fines and received one day in jail for each charge, with the sentences running concurrently.
One day was already credited as served and the NFL 's decision now adds another significant consequence, with York acknowledging the league's punishment and apologizing to those connected to the organization.
"To my family, to the players, coaches, and employees of the San Francisco 49ers, to our fans and partners, I am deeply sorry," York said. "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."
Brock Purdy collects latest award as he excels for 49ers
York has been the 49ers ' majority owner since 2024 and has served as the organization's CEO since 2008 and while the franchise deals with York's suspension, Brock Purdy continues to provide a very different storyline on the field.
The 49ers quarterback was named FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week after leading San Francisco to a 36-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals .
The award came only one week after Purdy received NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. He had completed 15 of 27 passes for 297 yards and four touchdowns, producing a 133.8 passer rating.
He also added 34 rushing yards on two carries and his four touchdown passes were a season high and marked the second time in three games that he had thrown at least three scores.
Purdy now has 15 career games with three or more touchdown passes, moving past Jeff Garcia for fifth place in 49ers history. Through three games, his nine touchdown passes are the most by a San Francisco quarterback.
