Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay recently made headlines when he claimed that his 2014 arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated was a result of police prejudice against him as a wealthy, white billionaire. In an interview with HBO Sports, Irsay shed light on the incident that had previously been shrouded in controversy.
Back in September 2014, Irsay pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a decision he said he made “just to get it over with.” During the interview, he expressed his belief that if he were an average person, the police would not have pulled him over.
The arrest took place in the Indianapolis suburb of Carmel after witnesses reported Irsay driving slowly and failing to use a turn signal. When officers confronted him, they observed that he had trouble reciting the alphabet and performing field sobriety tests. Irsay, however, claimed that his poor performance was due to his recent hip surgery, which made it difficult for him to walk.
To make matters more complicated, police found prescription drugs and over $29,000 in cash in Irsay’s vehicle. A subsequent toxicology report revealed the presence of painkillers and anxiety medication in his system at the time of his arrest. These findings raised questions about the seriousness of his intoxication.
In response to Irsay’s allegations, the Carmel Police Department released a statement affirming their commitment to professionalism and integrity in protecting the community. They emphasized that their actions were based on the established protocols and procedures they follow for such cases.
It is worth noting that Irsay has been open about his battle with addiction in the past, viewing it as a fatal disease. His remarks during the interview suggest that he continues to assert his belief that addiction and alcoholism are issues that need to be addressed compassionately and without prejudice.
As the case continues to morph into a debate surrounding police conduct, Irsay seems unbothered by how his comments will be received. Whether his assertions are accurate or not, his willingness to spotlight the possibility of bias, even among those in positions of privilege, adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about justice and equality.