San Francisco 49ers owner and CEO Jed York was arrested in East Palestine, Ohio, on suspicion of engaging in prostitution. The incident occurred last week, and the team is currently focused on preparing for their NFL season opener.
According to court documents, York, 46, arranged to exchange $140 for sexual activity with an undercover officer who had placed an advertisement on a known prostitution website. Law enforcement conducted a sting operation at a mobile home community where York arrived to meet the individual.
York was initially charged with engaging in prostitution and possessing criminal tools. He pleaded no contest on Monday and was sentenced to one day in jail, receiving credit for one day served. Prosecutors amended the prostitution charge to disorderly conduct. He was also fined $1,150 and completed an online course. A cellphone was returned to him, and $160 seized during the arrest was allocated to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of the plea agreement.
Team captain Fred Warner acknowledged the team's awareness of the situation but emphasized their focus on the upcoming season. "We're all aware, right? I think we all have social media, so we see things," Warner said Tuesday at the team's training camp. "But at the same time, you know, I got a lot of love, a lot of respect for Jed, and don't feel the need to comment on the situation."
Warner added that the incident had not been a significant topic of conversation in the locker room. "It really wasn't a conversation being had in the locker room. Of course, yeah, you notice it, but at the same time, we're still hyper focused in this building of trying to prepare for Week 1," he stated. "A lot of guys are on the bubble trying to make the team, so you know we're just trying to get better as a football team and letting that you know that's a personal situation, letting it stay personal with him."
Coach Kyle Shanahan also addressed the arrest, stating that he had spoken with York. "Obviously it's a very tough situation… it's extremely fresh, it's a very, very personal situation," Shanahan said. "I got a lot of respect for Jed. I got a lot of respect for [his soon-to-be-ex-wife] Danielle. Their family does mean a lot to me. With it being this personal I'm trying my very best to keep it that way."
When asked if York would step back from team operations, Shanahan indicated that York's involvement has remained consistent. "It's been like that this summer anyways. It's the same as always. Jed is as good as it gets since I've been here in letting the football people make football decisions," Shanahan explained.
The NFL has stated it is "aware of the matter, which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy." The 49ers organization released a statement saying, "As this is a legal matter, which has been resolved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time."
York filed for divorce from his wife, Danielle, in May, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple, married in 2011, have two sons and have agreed to joint legal and physical custody. Their divorce case is pending.
The 49ers are scheduled to play the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on September 10 for their season opener.