San Francisco 49ers star Fred Warner has admitted he ‘has a lot of love and respect’ for Jed York after the team owner’s arrest in a prostitution sting last week but the team is ‘hyper focused’ on preparing for the new NFL season.
York, who also serves as the NFL giant’s CEO, was arrested in East Palestine on suspicion of engaging in prostitution at 9.35am on Sunday.
Court documents obtained by The Daily Mail reveal York, 46, ‘arranged to have sexual activity with the female in exchange for $140.’ He responded to an undercover ad placed on a known prostitution website by law enforcement.
When York arrived at the arranged location, the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community in East Palestine, York was greeted by a law enforcement sting operation.
Warner addressed the situation at the team’s training camp on Tuesday as they continue to prepare for their opening game of the season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne on September 10.
The linebacker said: ‘I mean, we’re all aware, right? I think we all have social media, so we see things. But at the same time, you know, I got a lot of love, a lot of respect for Jed, and don’t feel the need to comment on the situation.
49ers star Fred Warner has admitted he still ‘has a lot of love and respect’ for Jed York
York, 46, was arrested Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio, and booked into Columbiana County Jail
‘I think the team is kind of the same way. Like, it really wasn’t a conversation being had in the locker room. Of course, yeah, you notice it, but at the same time, we’re still hyper focused in this building of trying to prepare for Week 1.’
‘You know, a lot of guys are on the bubble trying to make the team, so you know we’re just trying to get better as a football team and letting that you know that’s a personal situation, letting it stay personal with him,’ Warner added.
Court records show that York, who was born 20 miles away from East Palestine in Youngstown, Ohio, was initially charged with engaging in prostitution, but prosecutors amended that to disorderly conduct. He was also charged with possessing criminal tools.
York was sentenced to one day in jail for both offenses to be served concurrently and was credited with one day served when he pleaded no contest Monday morning. He was also fined $1,150.
Records also show that York had a cellphone returned to him and that $160 that was seized was to be given to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of the plea agreement. He also completed an online course.
It comes after York filed for divorce from his wife, Danielle, back in May and cited irreconcilable differences.
The San Francisco Chronicle has reported the couple are still waiting for a court date for their dissolution of marriage case to be heard.
The couple, who got married in 2011, have two sons, Jaxon and Brixton. They have agreed to legal and physical joint custody.
The NFL said in a statement: ‘We are aware of the matter, which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy.’
The 49ers said in a statement: ‘As this is a legal matter, which has been resolved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time.’
The Daily Mail has reached out to East Palestine Police and the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, as well as York’s attorney for comment.
Cops lured York to the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community before arresting him on Sunday
49ers co-owner York – above with wife Danielle – allegedly attempted to pay a woman $140 for sex in a trailer park in Ohio
Kyle Shanahan has also spoken out for the first time since 49ers owner Jed York was arrested
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan also brushed off questions about York’s prostitution arrest when he faced the media for the first time since the story emerged on Tuesday.
‘I think that’s kind of irrelevant to our guys,’ he began, referring to his players, who are just 16 days away from their Week 1 game against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
He did, though, go on to admit he has spoken to York in the wake of his arrest, and subsequent plea deal that saw his prostitution charge amended to disorderly conduct.
‘I got to talk to Jed the last two days and today,’ he revealed. ‘Obviously it’s a very tough situation… it’s extremely fresh, it’s a very, very personal situation.
‘I got a lot of respect for Jed. I got a lot of respect for [his soon-to-be-ex-wife] Danielle. Their family does mean a lot to me. With it being this personal I’m trying my very best to keep it that way.’
When asked whether York would be taking a step back from the NFL team in the coming months, Shanahan added: ‘It’s been like that this summer anyways.
‘It’s the same as always. Jed is as good as it gets since I’ve been here in letting the football people make football decisions.’
