NFL suspends 49ers owner Jed York for six games

The NFL suspended San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York for six games and fined him $500,000 on October 2, 2026, saying he violated the league’s Personal Conduct Policy. The league credited York with three games already served because he had stayed away from the team’s first three regular-season games during its investigation. He may return on October 20, after the 49ers’ game against Washington, according to the league’s announcement. York said he accepted the decision and apologized to his family, the 49ers’ players and staff, fans and partners. In a statement released by the team, he called his conduct an “inexcusable mistake” and said he took full responsibility. He also said he understood that he would need to earn back trust. The suspension followed York’s arrest on August 23 in East Palestine, Ohio, during an undercover investigation by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. Police said he responded to an online advertisement and arrived at a location where officers were waiting. Reports said York had agreed to pay $160 for sexual activity. The sources describe the arrest as part of a prostitution sting; the NFL’s discipline was for violating its conduct policy.