The public hasn't heard much from Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay since his DUI arrest in March. He's charged with two misdemeanors related to the incident and is still awaiting his day in court, not to mention the possibility for punishment from the NFL for violating its code of conduct policies. Irsay opened up on his addiction, the arrest and the potential for action from the league in a lengthy interview with Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz this week.
Roger Goodell gets to see Jim Irsay’s drug test results
The Colts owner opened up to the Indianapolis Star about his battle with addiction, his March DUI arrest and discipline from the NFL.
Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE
Punishment from the NFL
Irsay said that he will take random drug tests through an agreement with the prosecutor’s office. Results will be shared with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who oversees discipline for players, league employees and others covered by the conduct policy.
The Colts owner declined to share the details of his conversations with Goodell since the arrest. He also declined to comment on a recent report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter citing league sources who believe that Irsay could be subjected to a $1 million fine and a six to eight game suspension.
He also declined to comment when asked what he felt would be a reasonable punishment from the NFL.
Battling addiction
He quit drinking more than 10 years ago, and Irsay says he still hasn’t had a drink since then. Pain killers became a problem when he started taking them for his back.
“These diseases, both alcoholism and addiction, much like bipolar or depression and different illnesses, are still not seen as real diseases.”
He still attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Irsay continues to rehab, having attended a handful of treatment facilities around the country since his arrest. Pain medication is still part of his life, but doctors are closely monitoring his use with the goal of having him off the drugs completely as pain dissipates.
The arrest
Irsay declined to comment on specifics about the arrest, court proceedings and the possibility of a plea deal, citing the ongoing case. He also pointed to the personal nature of the matter.
He did open up about the $29,000 he had with him at the time of his arrest. Irsay said that it wasn’t unusual for him to carry around large sums of money, showing Kravitz a brief case filled with $100 bills in his office. So why did he have the money on him? Generosity, he said.
“You’re talking about someone who is extremely generous, and I say that humbly. That’s the way I try to live my life and it has nothing to do with the law. What’s been reported out there, there’s been a sensationalizing about things that have nothing to do with the law. It shouldn’t be an issue.”
Kravitz has plenty more from Irsay in the interview, including why he isn’t apologizing right now to fans and the league for the incident. It’s definitely worth your time to read it.
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