49ers Owner Jed York Suspended Six Games, Fined $500,000 for Prostitution Sting Violation

San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York has been suspended for six games and fined $500,000 by the NFL for violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy stemming from his arrest in a prostitution sting. Three games of the suspension have already been served.

York was arrested on Aug. 23 after allegedly responding to an online advertisement for prostitution and arriving at a meeting location that was a residential trailer park. He was taken into custody by the East Palestine police department in conjunction with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. At the time of his arrest, York had $160 on his person, which was later forfeited to the task force.

In a statement, York apologized for his "inexcusable mistake" and accepted the NFL's decision. "To my family, to the players, coaches, and employees of the San Francisco 49ers, to our fans and partners, I am deeply sorry," he said. "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."

York pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools, referring to his cell phone which he used to arrange the meeting. He was sentenced to two days in the Columbiana County Jail with credit for one day already served. He was also ordered to complete an online anti-prostitution course and pay a $1,150 fine. In total, including the NFL fine and forfeited funds, York's financial penalty amounts to $501,310.

Since his arrest and throughout the league's investigation, York has not attended 49ers games or NFL league meetings. The three missed games count toward his suspension, and he is eligible to return on Oct. 20. The NFL has a fall meeting scheduled for Oct. 20-22.