San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York has apologised after his prostitution arrest in Ohio, following a six-game suspension and $500,000 fine from the NFL for breaching its Personal Conduct Policy.
York said he accepted the league’s decision in full and described his actions as an “inexcusable mistake”. He apologised to his family, the 49ers organisation, fans and partners.
“What I did does not reflect my values or the man I strive to be for my family,” York said.
He added that he had failed to set the example he wanted for his sons, but hoped the episode would demonstrate the importance of accepting responsibility and learning from serious mistakes.
The NFL said York had already missed the 49ers’ first three regular-season games while its investigation was under way. Those absences will count towards the six-game suspension, making him eligible to return on October 20.
York was arrested in Ohio after police alleged that he tried to pay a woman he believed to be a prostitute $160 for sex. Body camera footage showed him speaking to officers during the encounter before he was taken into custody.
The prostitution charge was later amended to disorderly conduct. York was also charged with possessing criminal tools, referring to the mobile phone used to arrange the meeting, and pleaded no contest to both charges.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell subsequently said the league was examining whether York had violated its personal conduct policy.
