The NFL announced the indefinite suspension of Houston Texans minority owner Javier Loya, in addition to imposing a $500,000 fine for violating the league's personal conduct policy, after concluding an investigation related to allegations of rape and sexual abuse.

The sanction closes the process The NFL opened disciplinary proceedings following charges filed against Loya in Kentucky, which were dropped under the terms of a plea agreement. The league reported that, although the original accusations did not prosper in court, it determined that the executive's conduct violated its internal standards.

Charges and settlement for Houston Texans minority owner

Loya faced a first-degree rape charge and six counts of sexual assault in Kentucky in 2023. A year later, he agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge of "harassment with intent to abuse," which led to the dismissal of the other charges. According to the Houston Chronicle, the incidents stemmed from two parties hosted by Loya in Louisville.

Sanction and possible reinstatement

According to the NFL, Loya—who has not been involved with the franchise since being accused two and a half years ago—will be eligible to apply for reinstatement starting in June. The suspension is indefinite, so any return will depend on the league's evaluation.

A person with knowledge of the case told The Associated Press that Loya's stake in the Texans is less than 1%, a figure that is not publicly disclosed due to the confidentiality of ownership structures.

Javier Loya's Reaction

In a statement, Loya expressed his disagreement with the NFL's decision: “All charges against me were dismissed more than a year ago, and I have remained transparent, respectful, and truthful throughout the entire process.”

The 56-year-old Mexican-American businessman is president and CEO of OTC Global Holdings, a trading firm he co-founded in 2007, and has maintained a stake in the Houston franchise since its inception in 2002.