Video of Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay's DUI stop released
Footage of Jim Irsay’s March 16 arrest for driving under the influence was released by TMZ on Friday.
It shows the Indianapolis Colts owner hunched over and struggling to stand during the early morning traffic stop.
Irsay was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with a schedule I or II controlled substance in his system; both charges were misdemeanors. Reports indicated that the substances were oxycodone and/or hydrocodone.
Irsay refused a blood test requested by an officer during the stop, which under Indiana law resulted in an automatic one-year suspension of his driver’s license.
Police also found prescription medication and almost $30,000 in his vehicle.
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Irsay pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of operating a vehicle while impaired and was sentenced to a year of probation. During that time, he will be subjected to drug testing and is prohibited from consuming alcohol.
If he is arrested for the same charge again in the next five years, the misdemeanor will be elevated to a felony.
The league gave Irsay a six-game suspension and a $500,000 fine for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. He was also ordered to undergo testing and counseling at the determination of "medical professionals and the Indiana court."
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The league received criticism for its handling of the Irsay case. Washington safety Ryan Clark in particular blasted commissioner Roger Goodell for not suspending Irsay after his arrest.
"Right now, if Jim Irsay is going to represent this league, represent the Indianapolis Colts, going to be on TV at the owners meetings, trying to bring a Super Bowl to Indianapolis after what he's done? It shows the hypocrisy of the NFL and also Roger Goodell in the way that he deals with players and the way he deals for the people he works for," Clark said.
Irsay's suspension went into effect on Sept. 3, and expired after the Colts' Oct. 9 road victory over the Houston Texans.
- Christopher Woody
