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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and star linebacker Fred Warner have addressed owner Jed York's recent arrest, insisting that the incident has not distracted the team as it prepares for the upcoming NFL season.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Aug. 25, Shanahan, 46, said York's legal situation has had little to no impact on the team's football preparations. The coach, who is still recovering from a serious car accident last month, said the matter had not even been discussed during the team's meetings.
"From a football standpoint, it has no effect on us," Shanahan said after practice. "It hasn't been mentioned in a meeting today. It doesn't have to do with what happens on the field."
Warner, 29, echoed Shanahan's comments, acknowledging that players were aware of York's arrest but emphasizing that their focus remains on football.
"I mean, we're all aware, right? I think we all have social media, so we see things," Warner said. "But at the same time, I got a lot of love, a lot of respect for Jed, and don't feel the need to comment on the situation."
The veteran linebacker added that the matter had not become a major topic inside the locker room. With the regular season approaching, players are concentrating on securing their places on the roster and preparing for Week 1.
Warner described the situation as personal for York and noted that many players are currently competing to make the final roster.
York, 46, pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges on Monday, Aug. 24, following his arrest in East Palestine, Ohio. He was initially charged with engaging in prostitution, but that charge was later changed to disorderly conduct. He also faced a charge involving possession of criminal tools.
Shanahan's comments come as he continues his recovery from a July 14 car accident in Palo Alto, California. The crash was determined to be his fault, and the coach later said he mistakenly believed his Tesla was operating on autopilot when it collided with another vehicle.
Shanahan suffered a severe concussion, several broken ribs and other injuries in the crash. Despite the incident, he said it has not affected the team's preparations.
"I don't think [York's arrest] pertained to our players much," Shanahan said. "Me getting in a car accident, I think that's kind of a joke that people think that that's a distraction to our team. So I think it's been training camp as usual."
