Jim Irsay, the enigmatic owner of the Indianapolis Colts, followed the wayward path of many NFL players: He failed a sobriety test, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of multiple prescription drugs.
Irsay faces discipline from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell—who, in essence, works for Irsay—was released from jail Monday after being held overnight.
Irsay was pulled over late Sunday after he was spotted driving slowly near his home in suburban Carmel, stopping in the roadway and failing to use a turn signal. Police say the 54-year-old Irsay failed several roadside field sobriety tests before he was arrested, though details were not released.
Carmel police said the drugs found in Irsay’s vehicle weren’t associated with any of the prescription bottles found inside.
Irsay faces a preliminary misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated and four felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Bryant Orem said. A hearing is scheduled for March 26.
If convicted on the felony charges, Irsay could face six months to three years in prison on each count. So-called Schedule IV drugs such as those with which Irsay was allegedly caught include Xanax, Darvocet and Ambien, with a low risk for abuse or dependency, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Irsay was released from the Hamilton County Jail after posting $22,500 bond.
An NFL spokesman says he is subject to discipline. Myra Borshoff Cook, a spokeswoman for Irsay, declined to comment, and Colts spokesman Avis Roper said the team was still gathering details.
”The team will issue additional statements when the facts are sorted and we are aware of the next steps to this process,” Roper said. ”Many fans have reached out to express their concern and we appreciate their support.”
The case has some similarities to that of Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand, who was suspended for 30 days and fined $100,000 in 2010 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy following his guilty plea to driving while impaired.
Irsay is a popular and colorful figure in Indianapolis, frequently interacting with fans on Twitter about everything from the fortunes of the Colts to his favorite music of the day. He was a key supporter in the drive to bring the Super Bowl to Indianapolis two years ago, and he helped build the Colts into an AFC powerhouse over the past decade behind quarterback Peyton Manning, now with Denver.
When the Colts were forced into rebuilding mode, Irsay painfully parted with Manning and other veterans, but put together another winning team behind young quarterback Andrew Luck and others.
