Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was arrested for driving while under the influence on Sunday night, but that does not necessarily mean he was drinking. As details continue to emerge, it sounds like Irsay’s arrest was drug related.
According to Bill McCleery of the Indianapolis Star, Irsay is facing four counts of of felony possession of controlled substances. He was charged with driving while under the influence after failing several field sobriety tests.
Lt. Joe Bickel of the Carmel Police Department said in a statement that Irsay was stopped while driving at a slow rate of speed and failing to signal when turning. His vehicle was searched and “multiple prescription drugs were found in pill bottles.” Police found several Schedule IV prescription drugs that they say “were not associated with any prescription bottles found in the vehicle.”
Schedule IV drugs are on the lower end of the substance abuse spectrum and include sleep and anxiety medications.
Back in October, Irsay tweeted that he has not had a drop of alcohol in 15 years. It does not sound like alcohol was involved with his arrest over the weekend. The Indy Star’s Bob Kravitz speculated that the arrest was drug related as soon as the news broke, adding that Irsay has a “problem” that the Colts have been trying to get him to address for quite some time.
In 2002, Irsay admitted he was addicted to pain killer.
“After several years of orthopedic operations and procedures, accompanied by long bouts of chronic pain, I became dependent on prescription pain medications,” he said at the time. “This summer I sought professional help at a nationally recognized facility located outside Indiana. I have successfully dealt with my dependence and my chronic pain issues.”
Irsay could now face disciplinary action from the NFL, as all personnel are subject to the guidelines of the league’s personal conduct policy. If Irsay is struggling with addiction, hopefully he gets the help he needs.
