Police say 49ers owner tried to pay undercover agent for sex
49ers owner Jed York was arrested after allegedly responding to an ad placed by an undercover officer on a known prostitution site, police say
San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York was arrested in Ohio last weekend for allegedly making an arrangement “to have sexual activity” with a woman “in exchange for $140.”
San Francisco general manager John Lynch addressed York’s situation during an in-game interview with CBS during the 49ers’ final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada.
“Obviously a difficult situation. You know, I have so much love and respect for the York family, for Jed, for Danielle, John, and Denise and Jenna and Mara − they’ve just been tremendous to me and my family,” Lynch said. “I thought Kyle said it well. It’s a real personal situation. We’re going to leave it as such.”
Lynch echoed head coach Kyle Shanahan, who also told reporters it was “personal” after San Francisco’s Aug. 25 practice.
York reached a plea deal that saw his charges of “engaging in prostitution” – a misdemeanor – reduced to disorderly conduct misdemeanor charges. Additionally, he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of possessing criminal tools.
The NFL is looking into potential punishment for York, reviewing the matter under terms of its personal conduct policy, which states a “higher standard” for owners.
49ers shifting focus to regular season, Australia game
Lynch was more eager to talk football and the direction the Niners are headed.
The team wrapped its final training camp practice and is now preparing to begin the regular season, which starts with an NFC West matchup with the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10 in Australia. The team leaves Wednesday, Sept. 2.
“I can tell you from a football operation, we had a fantastic week of practice,” Lynch said. “The guys are working extremely hard, and we got a lot in front of us, and it’s going to come in a hurry. Australia’s right around the corner. We’re leaving next Wednesday.”
Lynch and his front office can’t get comfortable yet. Football operations still has decisions to make on which players make it past final cuts. Before the 49ers can get to the Week 1 regular-season opener, they have to finalize their 53-man roster by Aug. 30.
“We’ve got the 53-man roster to get set on Sunday,” Lynch said. “That’s never the final 53. So then we got to put our practice (squad together). So a lot to do in a short amount of time. But we’re equipped. We got a good process, and we’re ready for it. And the guys are out here playing and playing well, we’ve had an outstanding camp.”
“We couldn’t be more excited about our team,” Lynch added. “We better be ready because we’re playing a really good Rams team in Week 1, and we can’t wait for that.”