NFL SUSPENDS 49ERS OWNER JED YORK SIX GAMES, FINES $500,000

The NFL has suspended San Francisco 49ers principal owner Jed York for six regular-season games and fined him $500,000 for violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy, according to a league statement. The discipline follows York's no contest plea to charges of disorderly conduct and possession of criminal tools, stemming from an arrest in Ohio over the summer. The NFL said York stayed away from the 49ers' first three regular-season games and from league meetings while its investigation proceeded, and confirmed those three missed games count towards the six-game suspension. The league said York may return on Tuesday, 20 October.

York's arrest arose from suspicion of engaging in prostitution, with one report saying he was arrested after responding to what was later found to be a fake advertisement. In a statement, York said he would accept the NFL's "decision in full" and apologised to his family, the team's players, coaches and employees, and to fans and partners, describing his actions as "an inexcusable mistake". He said the episode did not reflect his values or the man he strives to be for his family, and said he hoped to show his sons the importance of owning up to failures.

The 49ers have started the season 3-0 while York has been absent from the team, according to the report. York said leading the 49ers is "a privilege" he does not take lightly, and said trust in him would "have to be earned back over time". He said he looks forward to that work. The NFL has not set out further disciplinary steps beyond the suspension and fine already announced.