Santa Clara News Online has obtained from a reliable source a letter that 49ers owner Jed York wrote asking Judge Javier Alcala to go easy on convicted former Santa Clara Vice Mayor Anthony Becker.

Alcala is scheduled to sentence Becker on Friday, April 4, after a long-delayed trial and sentencing.

Over 90 percent of residents want Becker to serve some time behind bars. And numerous prominent people have written to suggest that Becker deserves prison time. It looks like York is writing to counter their opinions. Here’s York’s complete letter:

April 1, 2025

Dear Honorable Javier Alcala,

I am writing to request that you consider alternatives to incarceration for my good friend Anthony Becker. He is an individual who has distinguished himself through his service on the Santa Clara Planning Commission and City Council. 

As a Councilman and an integral part of the “49er Five,” Mr. Becker was an invaluable partner to our organization. He consistently supported our interests. When we needed favorable court settlements, he was there. When we broke the stadium curfew laws, he looked the other way. 

I understand that a jury unanimously concluded that Mr. Becker committed felony perjury for leaking a Grand Jury report to the 49ers and then lying about it. These actions may have been technically “illegal” and serve to “undermine the judicial system.” And I understand that 93 percent of Santa Clara residents said in a recent survey that Mr. Becker’s actions have reduced their faith in City Hall But come on, are any of those things really that bad, your honor?

As co-owner of the San Francisco 49ers, I’ve had to “bend the truth” in the past, like Mr. Becker. For example, I told The Faithful that I want to bring home another Super Bowl trophy.  But I fired Jim Harbaugh and hired Jim Tomsula. So what if I had to tell a “white lie.” How else would I get people to buy season tickets after we raised prices?  

I’ve also spent millions of dollars each election cycle to buy the votes and loyalty of the City Council majority. In fact, I spent more on them than our offensive line. But that’s okay because they delivered better results, just ask our quarterback, Brock Purdy.

Your honor, I request that instead of incarceration, Becker should be allowed to contribute to the Santa Clara community in a meaningful way.  To demonstrate my commitment to helping keep good people like him out of prison, I pledge to dutifully employ Mr. Becker.  Our current Sourdough Sam is retiring, and Mr. Becker will be an excellent replacement.  After all, Mr. Becker shares my ethical standards  – and he will fit into the costume. 

I hope you will give serious consideration to my request, and please let me know if you need any Super Bowl tickets.

Sincerely,

Jed York

P.S. April Fools.