The NFL has finally handed down a ruling on San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York following his legal issues in August. The league has suspended York for six games and fined him $500,000 for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
The $500,000 fine is the maximum single-action fine the NFL commissioner can levy against an owner.
York has stayed away from the 49ers during their first three regular-season games and has not attended league meetings. Those three games counted toward his suspension, meaning he may return on Tuesday, October 20.
49ers principal owner Jed York has been suspended for six regular-season games and fined $500,000 for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, the NFL announced today.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 2, 2026
During the time the league's investigation has been proceeding, York has stayed away from the 49ers first…
York issued the following statement:
Today, the NFL concluded its review, and I accept its decision in full.
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 was arrested August 23 in East Palestine, Ohio, following an undercover investigation by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.
According to reports, York responded to an online advertisement placed by an undercover officer and exchanged messages with the person over two days. He agreed to pay $160 for what he believed would be sexual activity. He then traveled to a mobile home park in East Palestine, where he was arrested after arriving at the location provided by police.
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York pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools, with the latter charge stemming from his use of his cellphone to respond to the undercover advertisement.
York was sentenced to two days in the Columbiana County Jail and ordered to pay $1,150 in fines. The $160 seized from York was forfeited to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force.
York reportedly filed for divorce from his wife of more than 15 years, Danielle York, in May, citing irreconcilable differences.
"I think it's a very, very personal situation," head coach Kyle Shanahan said two days after the arrest. "I've got a lot of respect for Jed. I've got a lot of respect for Danielle. Their family does mean a lot to me. So, with it being this personal, I'm trying as hard as I can to keep it that way."
Days later, general manager John Lynch added, "Obviously a difficult situation. You know, I have so much love and respect for the York family, for Jed, for Danielle, John, and Denise and Jenna and Mara − they've just been tremendous to me and my family. I thought Kyle said it well. It's a real personal situation. We're going to leave it as such."
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