Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay has been charged with two misdemeanors in connection with a March traffic stop that led to his arrest on suspicion of intoxicated driving.
In paperwork obtained Friday by NFL Media, the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office filed one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a class C misdemeanor, and one count of operating a vehicle with a schedule I or II controlled substance or its metabolite in the body, also a class C misdemeanor.
Irsay was admitted to an out-of-state medical facility for inpatient treatment after his arrest, prompting the postponement of his initial hearing and the filing of formal charges. Irsay declined to discuss specifics of his situation during a 12-minute meeting with reporters at the Spring League Meeting in Atlanta, where he took part in Indianapolis' unsuccessful bid to host Super Bowl LII.
"I'm really not going to talk about any personal medical issues or that sort of thing but just grateful to be back and certainly have a lot of appreciation for the support I've received," he said. "I'm all in. It feels good to be back and I'm excited about our chances tomorrow."
Irsay's legal representation released a statement on the matter Friday.
"We want to thank the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office for its professionalism in its investigation regarding Mr. Irsay and for devoting the necessary care and attention to determine the facts in this matter did not warrant the filing of felony charges relative to Mr. Irsay's prescription medications," the statement read. "Mr. Irsay will deal with the remaining misdemeanor charges through the judicial process."
Police in the Indianapolis suburb of Carmel said they stopped Irsay in the late hours of March 16 after he was spotted driving slowly, coming to a stop in the roadway and failing to use a turn signal. Irsay failed several roadside field sobriety tests before he was arrested, according to police. A search of his car found several prescription drugs and pills.
Irsay could be subject to NFL discipline connected to his criminal case. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy released a statement on the matter late Friday.
"The NFL's Personal Conduct Policy applies to all league personnel and holds all of us accountable," McCarthy said. "We are reviewing the matter and will take appropriate action in accordance with the policy."
