San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York was at the center of troubling headlines when he was arrested on prostitution charges in East Palestine, Ohio, in August. The charge was later amended to disorderly conduct, and York pleaded no contest to reduced charges after allegedly responding to a prostitution ad, offering to pay $140 for sex at an Ohio trailer park.
Ahead of the NFL’s first-ever game in Melbourne, Australia, between the Los Angeles Rams and the 49ers, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that the NFL’s investigation was still ongoing and that when it wraps, the league will make an announcement.
“When we get it completed, we’ll obviously make an announcement at that point in time,” he told Duncan.
That investigation appears to have wrapped up, as the league announced its final ruling on York on Friday, which includes a six-game ban.
“San Francisco 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,” reported ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Per the NFL: while the league’s investigation has been proceeding, Jed York has stayed away from the 49ers first three regular-season games, as well as from NFL league meetings. Those three missed games are counted toward his suspension, and he may return on Tuesday, Oct. 20. https://t.co/qyVgqPv1XQ pic.twitter.com/fiywNz2G1k
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2026
After the news broke, York released 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 is eligible to return for the 49ers’ Week 7 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.