NFL Owner Jim Irsay Arrested for DUI and Possession

Multiple media outlets have reported that Jim Irsay, the well-known owner of the Indianapolis Colts, was arrested last night on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance. Reportedly, Irsay was booked into a local jail in Hamilton County early Monday morning.

Police in Carmel, Indiana reportedly saw Irsay driving slowly on a local road and stopping in the middle of the street. He also allegedly failed to signal before turning which led authorities to stop Irsay and administer field sobriety tests, which he reportedly failed. Irsay was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a crime in Indiana as well as every other state, including Arizona. As part of his arrest, officers searched Irsay’s car and reportedly found prescription drugs that were not associated with any prescription bottles in Irsay’s possession, leading to a second charge of possession of a controlled substance. Bond in Irsay’s case was set at $22,500 and as of early this morning, he remained behind bars and in police custody.

Back in 2002, Irsay admitted he had an addiction to prescription pain killers following multiple surgeries and treatments, referring to his pain at that time as chronic. Twitter posts in late 2013 from Irsay indicate that he has not had an alcoholic drink in 15 years, leading many to speculate as to the intoxicant allegedly in Irsay’s system while he drove last night.

Forbes values the Indianapolis Colts as the 11th most valuable franchise in the National Football League and estimates the team’s worth at $1.6 billion. Irsay is the sole owner of the franchise and is well known for his outspokenness, hands-on approach to ownership, and social media presence. The NFL has stated that if Irsay will face discipline from the league in addition to any punishments or sentences asserted by the courts in this matter.

Fortunately, in this incident, no collision occurred and no injuries were reported. But when a suspected impaired driver is behind the wheel, often that is not the case. Drunk and impaired drivers are more likely to be involved in car accident and more likely to cause collisions than others on the road, making them a threat to their own safety as well as the safety of the public.

 

 

Every year, Phoenix experiences a large number of accidents caused by drunk drivers with many of these accidents resulting in injuries to innocent victims. The laws in Arizona recognize that the victim should not have to suffer due to the negligent or reckless conduct of an impaired driver and therefore the laws are set up to let these victims recover for their losses.

The facts of every accident are unique so it is a good idea to speak with a lawyer who handles car accident cases to learn about your legal options after a crash. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that every victim deserves to have an attorney on their side, fighting for their rights, and that is what we do for our clients every day. We have represented numerous accident victims and have helped them seek the best possible outcome in each and every case. If you have been the victim of a car accident, we want to help you, too.

Call us today toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and let us provide you with a free, no obligation telephone consultation regarding your case and your injuries. We are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year so that we can help you get answers whenever you need them. If you have been injured, do not hesitate; call us today and let us help you get the relief you deserve.

Prior Blog Entry:

Unlicensed Teen Allegedly Causes Fatal Crash, Then Flees, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published March 13, 2014.

Resource:

Colts Owner Jim Irsay Arrested: Latest Details, Mugshot and More, by Matt Fitzgerald, Bleacher Report, published March 17, 2014.