Colts boss Jim Irsay claims he was ‘prejudiced’ during 2014 arrest because he was a ‘white billionaire’

Irsay claimed that if he was not a white rich man the police would never have pulled him over.

Colts boss Jim Irsay claims he was ‘prejudiced’ during 2014 arrest because he was a ‘white billionaire’

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay (Image via Imago)

Jim Irsay has recently claimed that his March 2014 arrest for driving under the influence stemmed from prejudice about him being a white, rich male. In a recent interview with the HBO show Real Sports that aired on Tuesday, the Indianapolis Colts owner revealed what happened on the day of the arrest.

I am prejudiced against because I’m a rich, white billionaire. If I’m an average guy down the block, they’re not pulling me in, [of course not].
Irsay told HBO’s Andrea Kremer

The 64-year-old later pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count for driving a car while not completely sober. There were additional charges for having a controlled substance.

Jim Irsay claims that he was a victim of prejudice

The Carmel police department that arrested Irsay upon hearing his interview stated their own.

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We are very sorry to hear that comment about our officers and department.

They also highlighted that their officers are “very professional” and are always working to uphold the law and justice in Indianapolis.

Colts boss Jim Irsay claims he was 'prejudiced' during 2014 arrest because he was a 'white billionaire'
Jim Irsay (Image via Bleacher Report)

However, the longtime NFL contributor did not alter his stand. 

I don’t care what it sounds like. It’s the truth. The truth is the truth, and I know the truth.

What happened on that day?

According to reports from Carmel police, they pulled driver Jim Irsay over after observing a Toyota Highlander driving slowly. The car stopped in the middle of the road and missed a turn signal. They discovered several prescribed drugs and $29,000 in cash with him.

The doctors ran a toxicology test on Irsay, which showed that he had consumed painkillers, oxycodone, and hydrocodone, as well as alprazolam. It’s a drug that helps suppress anxiety if taken in moderation. The officers revealed that he failed the sobriety test and had trouble walking properly.

When the NFL found out about the situation, they imposed a suspension of the first six games of the following season. Additionally, he was asked to pay a fine of $500,000. 

However, Irsay claimed that the reason he had trouble walking during the sobriety test was because of hip surgery. When asked about why he chose to plead guilty, he just wanted to close that chapter quickly and focus on the Colts.

Irsay became the vice president and general manager of the Indianapolis (then Baltimore) franchise in 1984 and occupied that position until 1996. A year later, in 1997, he replaced his father, Robert Irsay, as the owner. Under his leadership, the Colts have twice played in the Super Bowl, winning once in 2007.

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