The league suspended York for six games and fined him $500,000 on Friday for violating its personal conduct policy. In a statement reported by the New York Post, York apologized to his family, the 49ers organization and fans.
“This was an inexcusable mistake and I take full responsibility,” York said. He added that earning back their trust would take time.
The suspension includes the first three games of the season, which York had already missed. It runs through San Francisco’s Oct. 19 game against the Commanders, according to the report.
The discipline follows York’s August arrest in East Palestine, Ohio. Authorities said he responded to an undercover advertisement and agreed to pay for sexual activity. He was initially charged with soliciting prostitution, then pleaded no contest to lesser misdemeanor charges.
FanBuzz relayed the NFL’s punishment earlier Friday. York’s response makes clear he will accept the league’s decision rather than contest the suspension.
He also addressed his children in the statement, saying he had fallen short of the example he wanted to set for his sons and hoped to show them the value of owning up to a failure.
York will be eligible to resume team activities after the suspension ends. His apology is public; rebuilding trust with the people he named is the part that will take longer.
