Jim Irsay cites status as ‘white billionaire’ for 2014 arrest

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay claimed that his 2014 arrest for driving under the influence was a result of police prejudice against him due to his status as a “rich, white billionaire.”

Irsay made these comments during an interview with HBO Sports, revealing details about his arrest, where he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

When questioned about his guilty plea, Irsay stated that he did it just to put an end to the situation.

During the interview, he emphasized his belief that his social and economic status played a role in his arrest, and he bluntly expressed that he is not concerned about how his comments will be perceived.

According to police reports, Irsay was pulled over in March 2014 in Carmel, Indiana, for reckless driving and showed signs of intoxication. When asked if this was a low point for him, Irsay attributed his failure in field sobriety tests to recent hip surgery.

He firmly stated that his arrest was unjust, given his medical condition at the time, and he clarified that he failed sobriety tests due to his post-surgical limitations, not because he was under the influence.

Following his arrest, various prescription drugs and a substantial amount of cash were found in Irsay’s vehicle. Additionally, a toxicology report confirmed the presence of painkillers and other medications in his system.

The Carmel Police Department responded to Irsay’s allegations, expressing regret over his assertion of prejudiced treatment and emphasizing their commitment to acting professionally and ethically.

Irsay, who has openly discussed his struggles with addiction, reiterated to HBO Sports that addiction and alcoholism are life-threatening conditions.