Rangers co-owner Jed York has been fined $500,000 after a trafficking task force initially arrested him on suspicion of engaging in prostitution. The NFL also hit the San Francisco 49ers owner with a six-game ban for violating its personal conduct policy.
York accepts NFL decision in full
In a statement, York said: “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.”
Arrest and court proceedings
York pleaded no contest to a pair of misdemeanor charges after being arrested in the state of Ohio on August 23. The father-of-two, who has been married to his wife for over a decade, was arrested after he allegedly tried to pay a woman a little over a hundred dollars for sex.
Court documents obtained by the California Post state York responded to an ad on a known prostitution website in Columbiana County, Ohio and “arranged to have sexual activity with the female in exchange for $140.00.”
York then went to a meeting location, a trailer park in East Palestine, Ohio, where he was taken into custody after an agent from the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force found York had “in his possession of his cellular device which was used to arrange the criminal act,” according to the court documents.
Fine, sentence and 49ers role
He was fined $1,150 and sentenced to one day in jail for his two misdemeanor offenses and was credited with time served. York was initially charged with engaging in prostitution, per court records, but prosecutors changed that charge to disorderly conduct. Records also indicated York had a cellphone returned to him and also had $160 seized during his arrest, which was to be donated to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of his plea agreement. York has since completed an online course, as well.
York, 46, has been in control of the 49ers’ day-to-day operations since taking them over from his parents in 2008, and became the team’s principal owner in 2024. He has overseen the franchise through eight playoff trips, with seven NFC Championship Game appearances and three trips to the Super Bowl.
Rangers involvement
He took over the Ibrox side last summer alongside fellow American businessman and entrepreneur Andrew Cavenagh, who is now Rangers chairman. In February, York opened up on his Ibrox experience in a rare interview following the American takeover. The 49ers CEO and principal owner lifted the lid on his “special experience” with the Light Blues having taken in a clash with Celtic last season and admitted he was enjoying seeing Rangers attempt to “get back” to glory.
Speaking to talkSPORT about the overseas investment from the 49ers, York said: “We own Leeds United, and we are big investors in Rangers. I get over to the UK a lot for games. There is nothing like Elland Road or going to see a Rangers match. I was at my first Old Firm match earlier this season for a draw, and it was truly a special experience. Watching Rangers get back up, trying to fight, compete, and hold their own has been special. We are hoping for a lot more success.”
