Democrats in the Bay Area who received campaign donations from Jed York, the owner of the 49ers, are currently facing renewed calls to return that money. This comes in light of York’s recent arrest linked to prostitution and the ensuing effort to make his arrest records public.
The campaign is specifically targeting Democratic Representatives Ro Khanna and Sam Liccardo, along with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), urging them to return or donate the funds received from York and related businesses.
A petition stating, “Give the money back. Unseal the arrest record,” was posted at jedyorkexposed.com. The petition emphasizes its desire for the political figures involved to remove these funds from their campaigns and for the details surrounding York’s arrest to be made available to the public.
This petition was reportedly initiated by Holly Roberts, a former member of the Charter Review Committee; Helen Narcisco, who previously served on the Senior Advisory Committee; and Carolyn McAllister, a former member of the Civil Service Commission.
According to the website, the monetary contributions were made before York’s arrest, and there hasn’t been any indication from the recipients about whether they plan to return the funds.
The website notes specific donations, including a $5,700 contribution from York to Khanna’s campaign on May 14, 2024, and a $3,300 contribution to Liccardo’s campaign on June 14, 2024. It also mentions a $2,500 donation from York to the DCCC, along with other contributions from DeBartolo Corp. and other 49ers-related entities to candidates in California.
Beyond the financial contributions, the group is also calling for the unsealing of the complete arrest record in Columbiana County, which would include the police report, booking file, and court records. They argue for public access to these documents.
Following his arrest, York was fined $500,000 by the NFL and faced a six-game suspension. The petitioners are urging NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to revisit this case and levy a larger financial penalty, believing the current punishment does not adequately reflect York’s financial standing as a team owner.
Another focal point of contention is how the league deals with coaches. Fines of $250,000 have been placed on hold for coaches Mike Vrabel, Aaron Glenn, and Nick Sirianni due to sideline disputes with referees—penalties that seem rather insignificant compared to York’s fine.
Mike Florio, Editor-in-Chief of Pro Football Talk, raised questions regarding the NFL’s disciplinary approach, pointing out the disparity between the penalties imposed on coaches versus York. He characterized York’s $500,000 fine as “a mere amount” juxtaposed against the “over the top” fines for coaches.
